Reflection+on+American+Hate

  Reflection on Hate   The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “hate” as an intense hostility and aversion usually deriving from fear, anger, or sense of injury. It also defines it as an extreme dislike or antipathy. The feeling of hate can be defined in a number of ways. The inhumane and cruel ways that people choose to treat each other is embedded in our society and culture. It is engrained in our minds that we must hate those who are different. This feeling may come out of fear or love or even misunderstanding, but it lives deep within us. Hate can be expressed through all different kinds of mediums. It can be expressed through words or actions. The United States provides Americans with an environment that allows them to hate anyone who is different than them. The diversity within the United States makes this country an optimum environment for hate to grow and be exhibited.   The video displayed depicts the violent beating of Rodney King. After the offense the prosecutor will argue that the violence taken against Mr. King was racially motivated. The hate that is depicted here shows that although we have begun to change regarding race relations, many Americans are still filled will hate for those who are physically different from the original founders of our nation. The Rodney King case ended with all the policemen on the tape beating Mr. King being acquitted of all of the major charges against them. This ruling sparked race riots around Los Angeles. The Rodney King incident depicts the injustice and hate that exists within our judicial system.   Jonathan Swift comments, “We have enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love another.” His comment directly correlates to the signs below the quote, which read, "God Hates Fags." This shows that our religion, especially Christianity, has influenced our opinions of other Americans. Religion has caused us to hate those who are different or those who don't follow the teachings of the bible. Religion fosters the hateful way in which many Americans are attacked and treated unfairly because of their beliefs or lifestyle. Nathaniel Hawthorne makes a similar observation in the __//Scarlet Letter//__. He believed that Puritan religious mores and values were darkening America. Puritan religious mores caused Americans to be cruel to those who do not follow their same beliefs. Religion continues to foster our decision to hate others.  As Americans we just must accept that there are monsters that live inside of all of us. It is sometimes impossible to control these monsters. When they are unrestrained they can inflict great pain and hardship upon the individuals who are targeted by these monsters. Different kinds of "hate groups" have banned together in an effort to somehow make themselves feel better about their own situations in life. They feel that by inflicting pain on others, it will somehow make them feel better about themselves. The KKK and Islamic terrorists are examples of these kinds of people. Hate lives inside all Americans and it is our responsibility to control these monsters. All groups within America are targets of hate. No matter what race, class, culture, or gender, all of us can be targets of hate. Hate is something that we learn over time. It is up to the modern generations to learn how to control the monsters that live inside them. 

American HATE