Within the last couple of months, it has become increasingly difficult to follow news or even interact on social media. It seems that waking up to the news of yet another casualty around the world has become a norm.
Regardless of religion, gender or race, we all want one thing - to be loved and accepted by others.
We were all one entity until these things divided us into seperate groups who somehow, over time turned against each other. How did we manage to drift so far apart from our unity and coexistence?
The problem is, we are all so committed to our own morals and opinions that we refuse to accept and tolerate anyone else's. Whenever we hear any sort of negativism, we quickly search for a person, a group or organization to blame. It is the easier way to end the discussion - redirect the problem elsewhere.
What we don't realize is that by blaming society, groups and organizations or individuals, we don't solve the problem. We are part of that very same society we are transferring all the fault to. If we aren't part of the solution, we are part of the problem.
So what is the solution?
By negatively reacting to all the recent violence and hatred around the world only adds fuel to the deadly fire.To fight fire with fire has never solved anything. By constantly criticizing and blaming others, we ignore the most important aspect of the solution to all this - our own personal belief systems. Without taking the time to reasses our own values and morals, we we commit ourselves to a stagnant state of mind that is anything but progressive.
Every coin has two sides. The negative, judgmental and quick-to-blame side is not always the accurate one. Yes, there might be a portion of truth in each, but neither side can be viewed as completely accurate. We personally choose what to believe and often, it seems that we feel better dismissing the good and carelessly affirming the bad.
It is easy to turn a blind eye to the hidden truth of things, but in retrospective, it is destructive and ignorant. Acknowledge that your own opinions may not always be correct, especially if they are dismissive of others'. The way to peace is through mutual respect and appreciation, regardless of agreement. Just because something is different does not make it wrong. Take the time to reflect on your outlook on others and your behaviour towards those contrasting your views. Resentment only brings anger and further seperates us.
Regardless of our differences, we are all people with a right to be respected. We conquer hate by unity, not by seperation.
