Stop the Cycle of Hatred

You know how some countries teach their children to hate America and Americans? I just read an article about kindergarteners in a school in North Korea who take turns stabbing a cartoon poster of an American soldier with the words, "We love playing military games knocking down the American bastards." There is another poster in the same classroom with a picture of an American with a noose around his neck. This one says, "Let's wipe out the U.S. imperialists."

Who remembers the video of the celebrations following 9/11 where the Palestinian children are seen rejoicing in the streets along with men and women; their mothers and fathers? There are countless articles that tell us that in mosques in the United States, Muslim children are being taught to hate America. Hate doesn’t hide; it’s all over the world.

We all know that children are malleable and will do whatever it takes to ensure that they are loved and accepted. Their display of hatred is praised and they equate that with love and approval. These examples show that children can be taught to hate at a very young age. They weren’t born hating, it came from their parents, grandparents, relatives, church/temple/mosque members, townspeople, family friends, school friends (who learned it from their families) or teachers.

Now, look at what is currently going on in our own country. There is consistent division based upon race, religion, sexual preference, gender. It started a long time ago and by people who have been dead for years. Their legacy of hate has been handed down from generation to generation. Why do we still have to listen to their intolerant, hating whispers?

Look in the mirror folks; this loathing is on all sides. Who wants to break the cycle, take off the blinders and teach our children about tolerance and respecting differences?