Why The Hate?

I grew up in a small town of about 3000 residents. I don't even think that I saw anyone of color until I was riding the bus to school one year. 

I recall being afraid, because adults had made me afraid. 

I recall watching those black children while trying not to watch them. Mere children, just like me. They kept their eyes straight ahead.

During recess, I don't remember seeing them. It was like they evaporated. 

I knew a little something about being different. I could empathize. You made yourself as small as possible and hoped you were invisible.

No one could identify why I was different just by looking at me. I couldn't imagine what it was like to be judged by skin color without your ever having said a word. 

That was a long time ago. But racism is still with us. 

You'd have thought that with time, people would grow more tolerant and accepting. But there is hate hiding in every nook and cranny of this world. In every little pocket of ignorance that remains.

I don't have the answers for all the societal problems today. But I do know that being kind to others never goes out of style.

Studies have proven that if you help others, it gives you a boost as well. Not only that, it reduces your stress levels. I guess that old adage "what goes around comes around" is true.

Here is a constantly-updated list of atrocities associated with bigotry just since the beginning of 2017. 

I don't care what political, religious or other affiliation you happen to be. Human beings are human beings. Do unto others and all that. 

It makes no difference to me what your sexual orientation is, or what flag you wave.

In my book there is never a valid reason for violence. And certainly not when you're talking about the violence of complete strangers. 

Why is there so much hate?  

It shouldn't matter where you happened to be born. Or what color your skin is. Or where you worship. Or how you vote. 

I don't think you should have to be rich to receive health care. 

I don't think you should assume you are ever better than anyone else. No matter who you happen to be.

We need to show children what truth is. And universal kindness. So that they don't inherit the hatred that simmers, unchecked, around them.

What do we live for, if not to make life less difficult for each other? George Eliot
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George Eliot wrote: "What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?"

What do we live for, if not to make life less difficult for each other? George Eliot
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/g/georgeelio163837.html

Indeed.

So where do I stand? I'll be happy to tell you.

No matter your race, ethnicity, faith, age or any other factors that make you who you are, you are a human being. And thus you deserve dignity and respect. 

Empathy. Understanding.

I firmly stand on the side of compassion. 

Oh, and those black kids on the school bus? I think they were every bit as scared of me as I was of them. But then I never found out. Because we never spoke to one another.

I believe in compassion for all.