Beyond “Stop the Hate”
In response to recent mass shootings and other violence against religious and racial groups, people have united by denouncing hate in various ways. “Stop the Hate” is the common theme of rallies, candlelight vigils, and even charity T-shirts and hats. It is heartening to see communities come together in one voice to denounce hatred in all its forms.
If we want to see continued change in our society, we each must look inward and identify where we fall into negativity towards certain groups of people. This may not rise to the level of hatred, but might be present in distrust, disdain, or looking down on others. This goes beyond race and religion and can also include age, politics, economic class or profession, to name a few. Our views grow from what we have been taught as well as our experiences, but we need to check ourselves and see where we have room for growth. Once we identify our own biases, we can actively look for opportunities to positively engage those that we might otherwise ignore, avoid or overlook. If we all did this, we would truly be well on the way to permanently stopping the hate.
This has been a great step in moving the culture toward tolerance, acceptance, and has been particularly strong in helping victims and their families in the healing process. But we must not stop here. Acts of violence keep happening, followed by the community reaction described above. The cyclical nature of it all makes it all seem too routine, and we risk getting too comfortable and desensitized.
What can be done? In order to take it to the next level we must act individually as well as communally. We see that the “stop the hate” message often translates to “you stop the hate”. Politics easily can enter the picture, with each side blaming the other for being so hateful. The left points the finger at the right accusing it of racism and being uncaring to the poor, uncaring to the plight of immigrants. The right blames the left for hating America and pandering to identity groups to deceptively gain power, at the expense of the citizens. “Stop the Hate” is easy when it translates to accusing others to change instead of ourselves.
