The relation between fear and hate

Monday and Friday morning can have something in common; it can take a while to warm up to the day. Today started slow, with a cup of tea and watching a thought-provoking video clip:

“Why I, as a black man, attend KKK rallies” which you can view here.

It is about a chance encounter by black musician Daryl Davis with members of the Ku Klux Klan. It set Davis on a quest to determine the source of the hate. His approach yielded surprising results and might be the solution for all racial discourse.

Now that got the day started! What a pleasant surprise it was to listen to sensible people talk about communication, forgiveness, and understanding. In addition to the positivism and heartwarming story, the capacity of different individuals to reach out to others was astonishing.

“When two enemies are talking they are not fighting”

This quote above is very powerful, but it is not just about tackling racism. It is also about fear and lack of communication. Davis and the others had the courage to reach beyond their comfort zone, and to face a new reality. Live and let live is not as easy as it sounds when facing someone whose beliefs hurt you to the core of your emotional self.

Respect other people’s beliefs

Listen to understand, not to just reply. Easier said than done in many cases. Imagine, if you can, being told that you are inferior and yet have the confidence and awareness to keep on discussing and exchanging? To have the strength to accept the world as it is. Not everyone agrees. Understanding starts by understanding that others have opposite views and that in their world their views make as much sense as your beliefs. Do not start acting like the people you criticise is the message of the video.

Thus, being able to respect other people’s beliefs is the first step to a real exchange.

“Anger/hate are born from ignorance”

The video also offers us a valuable lesson on the subtle difference between fear and real hate. Thanks to people like Davis one day compassion will beat fear and maybe allow us to define peace beyond the absence of conflict.

The other side of the mirror

Fear and anger are very personal feelings that can arise for many reasons at different times in our lives. This can be due to education, experience, environment, values, protecting our loved ones and so much more. That is why this video - entitled "My descent into America's Neo-Nazi Movement and How I Got Out" - is worth a thousand words. The person who gives us his confession still cannot forgive himself, but can you forgive him?

A Poison Tree

BY William Blake

I was angry with my friend;

I told my wrath, my wrath did end.

I was angry with my foe:

I told it not, my wrath did grow.

And I waterd it in fears,

Night & morning with my tears:

And I sunned it with smiles,

And with soft deceitful wiles.

And it grew both day and night.

Till it bore an apple bright.

And my foe beheld it shine,

And he knew that it was mine.

And into my garden stole,

When the night had veild the pole;

In the morning glad I see;

My foe outstretched beneath the tree.

Pictures: Pixabay