I’ve written about prejudice and hate in the world (on my blog and other places such as Reflections of a Redhead). It’s something that is taught by parents to their children. It’s something that makes this world just a little tougher to survive.
I remember my youth, where it was a never ending daily tirade- from name-calling to rocks through our windows to beatings on the street. I remember moving to Charlottesville, where while in a public meeting, a real estate developer declared, “Y’all don’t approve this rezonin’, I’ll sell my property to a Jew from New York!”- and that was the mildest of problems.
I knew how the South dealt (or not) with its Black citizens- not just blocking their voting, but precluding them from education, stores, events. And, knowing how that was happening, I couldn’t just sit back and do nothing. I knew what it felt like- and had to help stop it.
Now, in America, we still have folks hating Blacks (to some degree that is part of the “Obama” issue) and Jews. When I moved to the “officially liberal” city of Alexandria, my first neighbor wanted to see where my horns were. Yes, prejudice (and stupidity) is alive and well.
But, compared to the rest of the world, this is a drop in the bucket. My friends in France all have bought property in Israel, so that when the next event occurs, they can high-tail it out of there. I thought they were exaggerating.
But, a recent poll showed that anti-Semitism is thriving in Europe- and Asia. (“Only” 9% of Americans had similar beliefs- which is way down from the almost 43% when I was a teen [1964]. You can bet it’s still a regional phenomenon.) Before you jump the gun and say that it’s anti-Israel sentiments and not anti-Semitism, consider this one fact. 43% of the Dutch expressed negative impressions about Israel- but true Anti-Semitism was limited to only 5% of the residents.
The only antidote is education. It’s way past time we start. Memorial Day is a good day to do so- because so many of our wars have been related to religion and its prejudices.
I think you are dead on linking war to prejudice or if not prejudice then the perception that ones particular group is superior (I guess same thing). Whether it is small tribal wars or larger ones over territory and religion it would be nice if we could just all accept each other. Sadly, don’t see the majority of (powerful/greedy) humans doing so.
Carolina HeartStringshttps://www.adjuvancy.com/wordpress/index.php?social_controller=auth&social_action=authorize&key=facebook&post_id=16313 recently posted..STRAWBERRY COCONUT TREATS
Well said, Alessa. It’s those little (or not so little) prejudices that make us capable of separating us from other- and then wanting to best the other.
Thanks for bringing the concept to the fore!
It has always horrifyingly amazed me, the hatred for people who are different. And that most wars have a religious base. And this is a fantastic reminder for Memorial Day as we remember all those who
Oh, yes, Ms. M! Not just different, but differently able, differently thinking…Thanks for the comment.
Not sur that education is working. I still think we need to learn the 3As – acceptance, acknowledgement and appreciation and learn to love ourselves from infancy on and then maybe prejudice will die. Seems to me that too often people learn prejudice in school
Roberta Budvietas recently posted..Challenging Zoomers
Most children learn all their hate from their parents, Roberta. From their actions and their words. And, i doubt schools can effectively counteract the examples and actions of the parents.
There is something very wrong in the world right now. I thought that we had progressed, but now I am not so sure. You are right, I think that education will help. That said, I don’t understand why we keep making the same mistakes. And I am shocked to see that the extreme right has won in my home country.
Muriel recently posted..I Voted!
From what was reported, Muriel, they seem to have won all over Europe.
Prejudice usually goes hand in hand with stupidity…
Caro Ness recently posted..The Wreck
Don’t disagree one iota, Caro!