To categorize people by some trait, and then use that labeling to dismiss them, is profoundly dangerous.
To use that labeling to demonize those people,
As a justification to despise people,
That way lies madness.
We know that madness - we don't need to conjecture where that path leads. There are dozens of examples - on every continent, in every time. And everyone is hurt by it.
To consciously choose such a path is a failure of morality and intellect.
We must not accept so little from ourselves as a society.
Please don't accept so little of yourself.
Don't sell your humanity for the illusion of safety.
Don't cannibalize your neighbors for a false coin of security.
For make no mistake, this is a kind of social cannibalism. And, this behavior may be a natural human tendency but no matter. Much like we have to train small children not to bite, we must train ourselves to stop lashing out at groups who prove convenient scapegoats.
Stop blaming 'them' for failures of leadership, of foresight, or even just for poor outcomes.
There is no 'them' - the premise is a lie.
A convenient, self-absolving lie.
Be stronger than that.
Be better than that.
The truth is that life is hard.
Shit happens.
Taking advantage of others is wrong.
Blaming others as much as possible is weakness of character.
A free and open society will only ever be as safe as its individual members are willing to make it.
And it cannot be free and open if it's not tolerant, patient, and rational.
Tolerance, patience, and rationality require training. And effort. And occasional reminders.
And it's worth it.
To recap:
Categorization of people: troubling.
Demonization of people: v.v. bad, society-ending bad.
Taking responsibility - both personally and as a society - good.
Life is hard, but we're worth it.
You're worth it.
Deep Breath.
Now go! Take on the day.
To use that labeling to demonize those people,
As a justification to despise people,
That way lies madness.
We know that madness - we don't need to conjecture where that path leads. There are dozens of examples - on every continent, in every time. And everyone is hurt by it.
To consciously choose such a path is a failure of morality and intellect.
We must not accept so little from ourselves as a society.
Please don't accept so little of yourself.
Don't sell your humanity for the illusion of safety.
Don't cannibalize your neighbors for a false coin of security.
For make no mistake, this is a kind of social cannibalism. And, this behavior may be a natural human tendency but no matter. Much like we have to train small children not to bite, we must train ourselves to stop lashing out at groups who prove convenient scapegoats.
Stop blaming 'them' for failures of leadership, of foresight, or even just for poor outcomes.
There is no 'them' - the premise is a lie.
A convenient, self-absolving lie.
Be stronger than that.
Be better than that.
The truth is that life is hard.
Shit happens.
Taking advantage of others is wrong.
Blaming others as much as possible is weakness of character.
A free and open society will only ever be as safe as its individual members are willing to make it.
And it cannot be free and open if it's not tolerant, patient, and rational.
Tolerance, patience, and rationality require training. And effort. And occasional reminders.
And it's worth it.
To recap:
Categorization of people: troubling.
Demonization of people: v.v. bad, society-ending bad.
Taking responsibility - both personally and as a society - good.
Life is hard, but we're worth it.
You're worth it.
Deep Breath.
Now go! Take on the day.
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