Hateful Conduct: Remembering Our Shared Past
“Corrupt politicians, bought think tanks, and the rest of that slimy lot would never opt for policies that affirm human dignity.”
Ah, here we go again. Another day, another headline about hateful conduct towards minorities and asylum seekers. You’d think by now we’d have learned a thing or two from history, but no. People are as narrow-minded and cruel as ever. It’s maddening, really, to see how little we’ve progressed in terms of basic human decency.
The hatred towards minorities and asylum seekers isn’t new, but it sure feels like it’s getting worse. Venomous language, social exclusion, physical violence – you name it, they face it. Minority groups are targeted for their differences, and asylum seekers, who’ve already been through hell, are treated like pests. And why? Because people are too ignorant to see beyond their own small worlds.
Then there’s the political rhetoric. Oh, don’t get me started on that. Politicians, with their forked tongues, paint these vulnerable people as threats to our way of life. It’s not just false; it’s downright dangerous. It feeds into this cycle of fear and division, making it easy for hate to take root and grow.
What really grinds my gears is the hypocrisy. Almost everyone’s ancestors were minorities or asylum seekers at some point. Human history is nothing but a long tale of migration, adaptation, and survival. Our forebears moved across lands, fleeing wars, famines, persecution, and economic despair. And what did they find? Hostility and discrimination, just like today.
Take the European immigrants to the Americas in the 19th and early 20th centuries. They faced unimaginable hardships, fleeing poverty and persecution, only to be met with hostility in their new homes. Yet, they managed to contribute significantly to their new societies, becoming part of the cultural and economic fabric.
The Jewish diaspora is another prime example. For centuries, Jewish communities have faced expulsion, forced migration, and persecution. Despite these adversities, they rebuilt their lives and contributed to the societies they joined.
And let’s not forget the modern stories – the Vietnamese boat people, Palestinian refugees, Syrian refugees and countless others. Their experiences remind us that seeking refuge and starting anew is a universal human experience that transcends time and geography.
You’d think understanding this shared past would make people more empathetic. But no, we’re still stuck in this mire of hatred and division. Recognizing that our ancestors endured similar struggles should foster a fierce empathy and solidarity, but instead, we get more of the same ignorance and hostility.
We need to challenge these toxic narratives. Education is key, but it seems to be in short supply. By teaching the true history of migration and the contributions of diverse groups, maybe – just maybe – we can counteract the ignorance that breeds hate.
We also need policies that promote inclusion, protect human rights, and support minorities and asylum seekers. Governments, communities, and individuals must unite to create environments where everyone, regardless of their background, can live with dignity and opportunity.
But who are we kidding? Corrupt politicians, bought think tanks, and the rest of that slimy lot would never opt for policies that affirm human dignity. They’d rather line their pockets and play power games than do something truly decent. And so, the cycle of hate and ignorance continues, unabated.
