Hate is the ugliest and most debilitating feeling. I know, and I have come a long way. Growing up in the south in America in the 50's and 60's, there was hate. The wall of segregation made sure that hate was there. And stayed.
Here we are decades later, and hate seems to be stronger than ever as evidenced by the current events in the Middle East. What's the answer? Get to know one person. Black, Jew, Asian, Indian...it's a long list of hate. One person opens the door to seeing, really seeing.
When I was in high school, the smartest person in my class was Donetta Edwards. She was the only black in school. I'm ashamed that I argued with her in Civics class that whites were smarter than blacks. I got to know Donetta. That changed my ingrained hate.
Hubby was president of a respected and established literary society in high school. He recommended Leon Denmark be inducted into the society. Leon was black. He was voted in. He and Hubby became friends.
Two of my best friends growing up were Jewish. I went to Temple and learned about Hanukkah. Thank goodness!
When you learn to like a person, you understand their culture, and that is step #1 in getting out of hate.
If you like a black friend or a Jewish friend, how can you hate Blacks and Jews?
Start with one. All it takes is one. You see, hating a race means hating people. Most of us don't hate people.
Mister Rogers understood better than most. Here is his gentle and subtle clip on acceptance:
How do I address acceptance? Gloria! She is the best, as she is very different and extremely shy, yet children rally around her. The world has loved her for nearly twenty years. Gloria makes her debut this year on Wednesday. Stay tuned!
Acceptance and diversity is easy and natural, once you know someone. It's the road out of hate.
Jennie
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