We are divided in America on many different issues. With the election just around the corner, I am reading more and more opinions on social media. In past elections, I have noticed a more professional way of speaking about the candidates. Unfortunately, this election has brought out the hateful side of most people. Each side talks about the other side and things they have said in the past, yet in the same breath an insult is being exchanged, which is exactly what they are upset about to begin with. However, each side defends their attacks on others by saying, “But they said…” Let’s delete the double standard and speak with a purpose to spread love to others around us, free from insults and name calling.
I have seen more hateful rhetoric in the past 2 months than ever before. I have never before seen people say that if you vote for this person, then you are retarded, an idiot, unintelligent, etc. We all need to take a step back. If you want to convince people to hear and believe in your thoughts, then take out the name calling. Take out the adjectives and stick to the facts. Spread love and compassion, instead of hate and hurt. What you say and how you say it makes all the difference in the world. For instance, “Let me show you another way” versus “Let me show you another way, idiot”. Both sentences are identical word for word except for adding one more word to the second sentence, yet the sentiment behind the two are worlds apart. The first sentence is uplifting as a teaching moment, the second sentence is demeaning and the only thing heard is the last word. The second sentence tells someone that the person doesn’t want to show them a new way to do something, it says they are forced to because the person is an idiot.
We must be cognizant of the mark we are leaving on this world with our words. Our words are powerful and can cut through someone like a knife. We have been battling a problem with bullying in our schools across the country for years now. Anyone wonder where our kids are getting it from? The adults are bullying each other with insults and hateful words, so why wouldn’t an impressionable child pick up on how people interact in this world and begin to mimic what they have learned from the one who is meant to teach them. All adults are teachers. We need to look in the mirror and question whether we are teaching positively or negatively because everything we say is a lesson to others around us. We must be teachers of love. We must show the world how we love others so that they too may spread love.
It doesn’t matter what the situation is, how hurt you are or how angry you are. All that matters is how YOU choose to react. You can only control yourself. If you lower yourself to their standards, you will not win. If you choose to call names instead of preaching the truth, then you will never win. Rise above, and be kind, especially when you disagree with someone. It is completely possible to debate an issue without ever having to insult the other person. Strive to spread love to all those around you, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, etc.
Love others as yourself, and watch as this world begins to change for the good.
