The rise of "fanaticide," i.e., extremist violence, is but a symptom of the more serious issue facing our world today: too much fear and hate, too little faith and love. We've allowed our hard-held truths to slam our minds shut to the point we permit, even welcome, the most vile attacks on "the other."
What once was unspeakable vulgarity is now acceptable in arena for the battle of ideas. Those who believe differently than radio shock jocks are ruthlessly demonized as worthless pieces of humanity.
Even worse, radio and TV give these attackers a patina of credibility they do not deserve, for the public assumption is that they would not be allowed to say such things on the air waves -- our air waves -- unless it were true.
Locally, think of WHAS, a proud Kentuckiana institution for many a decade. When the same mega-tower-of-power 50,000-watt blowtorch that carries the Crusade for Children also features prime-time piranha Michael Savage, an air of credibility is automatically attached to his hate-filled propaganda that he should never have.
Where have you gone, Mr. Milton Metz, our nation turns its lonely ears to you.
Such contempt enters our consciousness, festers in our hearts, spews through our mouths and e-mails and eventually finds physical expression by those without a moral compass.
The cure is up to us. First, we must realize that just as we truly believe in the righteousness of our causes, those with contrary views feel the same. We must therefore embrace the paradox of inconsistent truths and allow space for the other even as we take our stand. This demands a faith in the ultimate authority of a higher power that most of us profess and a serenity to accept that the process, the way we treat each other, is as important as the cause, if not more so.
Second, we must love, and I mean love as a verb. Intentionally and with concentrated effort, work hard at being the best person you know your higher self to be, each and every day. Yes, be more diplomatic, tame the impulse to lash out, refrain from sexist or racist jokes. Focus on trying to understand the other and always wish them well, secure in your faith that taking the high road will lead to eventual reconciliation.
In short, we should be the person we'd want our children to be.
1 comment:
My mentor, Keith Wasserman, always signs off his letters with 'love is a verb." In his case, he's built an incredible homeless ministry that services eight Ohio countries. It is true. Intentionally seeking to love as an action that one does, and not as a changeable feeling can be hard, and it can wear a soul out, but it can also be the making of that soul. If you are interested in learning more about Keith and Good Works, his page is www.goodworks.net.
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