Intolerance and Hatred - Not the American Way
It is very disconcerting to see the growing intolerance and hatred in our country over the last several years. Not only because someone is different than you, but because their views of politics or religion do not align with what you believe. It seems that even if you do not agree with someone over religion or politics it is now acceptable for them to demonize your beliefs or views. When did this become acceptable behavior? Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and beliefs, and nobody has the right to tell you that yours are wrong. Or to portray someone as ignorant, or even worse, evil because their opinion differs.
I was raised to treat people with respect, and to be kind and courteous. Even if my opinion was different from another, we may have had discussions on the subject, but never argued, shouted or belittled one another. Today people seem to obtain joy from making someone feel bad for what they believe or because they are not like them. The bullying that used to be just in the school yard seems to have become acceptable for adults. Is this the new behavior of America, or are people just that unhappy and frustrated with their lives because of all that is going on in this country?
Perhaps if the media spent more time showing all the good things that are being done in our country, instead of showing so much of the bad, then people would have a more positive attitude. We are a country built on a wide variety of backgrounds - we are the melting pot after all. We are all human beings that in many ways have, and still do, share the same struggles to have a good life. If you look around you will see that we are more alike than not, even with our different opinions and beliefs.
If each of us takes the time to be more tolerant and accepting, to look at the person for who they are and not only for what they may believe, it eventually will become natural to the generations behind us to do so. A more tolerant and benevolent America - the way it should be. I am willing to set an example - are you?
I was raised to treat people with respect, and to be kind and courteous. Even if my opinion was different from another, we may have had discussions on the subject, but never argued, shouted or belittled one another. Today people seem to obtain joy from making someone feel bad for what they believe or because they are not like them. The bullying that used to be just in the school yard seems to have become acceptable for adults. Is this the new behavior of America, or are people just that unhappy and frustrated with their lives because of all that is going on in this country?
Perhaps if the media spent more time showing all the good things that are being done in our country, instead of showing so much of the bad, then people would have a more positive attitude. We are a country built on a wide variety of backgrounds - we are the melting pot after all. We are all human beings that in many ways have, and still do, share the same struggles to have a good life. If you look around you will see that we are more alike than not, even with our different opinions and beliefs.
If each of us takes the time to be more tolerant and accepting, to look at the person for who they are and not only for what they may believe, it eventually will become natural to the generations behind us to do so. A more tolerant and benevolent America - the way it should be. I am willing to set an example - are you?
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