Hate is the ugliest and most debilitating feeling. I know, and I have come a long way. Growing up in the south in America in the 50’s and 60’s, there was hate. The wall of segregation made sure that hate was there. And stayed.
Here we are decades later, and hate seems to be stronger than ever as evidenced by the current events in the Middle East. What’s the answer? Get to know one person. Black, Jew, Asian, Indian…it’s a long list of hate. One person opens the door to seeing, really seeing.
When I was in high school, the smartest person in my class was Donetta Edwards. She was the only black in school. I’m ashamed that I argued with her in Civics class that whites were smarter than blacks. I got to know Donetta. That changed my ingrained hate.
Hubby was president of a respected and established literary society in high school. He recommended Leon Denmark be inducted into the society. Leon was black. He was voted in. He and Hubby became friends.
Two of my best friends growing up were Jewish. I went to Temple and learned about Hanukkah. Thank goodness!
When you learn to like a person, you understand their culture, and that is step #1 in getting out of hate.
If you like a black friend or a Jewish friend, how can you hate Blacks and Jews?
Start with one. All it takes is one. You see, hating a race means hating people. Most of us don’t hate people.
Mister Rogers understood better than most. Here is his gentle and subtle clip on acceptance:
How do I address acceptance? Gloria! She is the best, as she is very different and extremely shy, yet children rally around her. The world has loved her for nearly twenty years. Gloria makes her debut this year on Wednesday. Stay tuned!
Acceptance and diversity is easy and natural, once you know someone. It’s the road out of hate.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
yes, gloria is an ambassador for universal kindness and acceptance
She is! 🥰
Brilliant post, Jennie. Too much hate. Not enough love. Gloria teaches love and acceptance. I wonder where she learned that from 💖
Thank you, Norah! 🥰
You’re welcome, Jennie.
I was never taught to hate when I was growing up. And once I got in the Army, I made friends with all races and creeds. And there is little prejudice in show business. I feel so fortunate.
I have always said the military is the most diverse group, and a role model for people working together. I’m not surprised and glad to know there is little prejudice in show business. You are fortunate, Don.
Hate is often the result of ignorance. So you are right, get to know someone and learn their culture. I love the Mr. Rogers clip.
Amen! I’m so glad you like the Mr. Rogers clip.
Getting to know one person can change your mind about those that share something with that person, Jennie. It’s a good lesson to learn and a good step to take.
Well said, Dan!
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Wise words, dear Jennie. Looking forward to seeing Gloria again.
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you, Pete. She made her debut yesterday. 🙂
Hate destroys. Love builds. Great post, Jennie. I agree get to know someone totally different than you.
Exactly! Thank you, John.
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“The wall of segregation made sure that hate was there. And stayed.” And expanded to areas outside the South…sigh. I’m always amazed at how more people respond immediately to ‘differences’ with pure anger/hate these days. I felt it personally & keenly (and unexpectedly) during the lockdown/mask controversy here – yes in the South, sorry, but it’s true – whenever hubby and I went together or solo fully masked! Anyway…our gentle/peaceful small actions/reactions do make difference if not to the outer community but within – keeping our own integrity intact if nothing else!
God bless Mr. Rogers!!!!RIP
Beautifully said, Laura!! Thank you. We can all start with one. The Mr. Rogers clip was his response to a terrible event, white people pouring bleach into a swimming pool with black people. He was brilliant.
!?!Bleach!?! Oh my Lord! I’m aghast at such behavior.
The bleach clip was in the Mr. Rogers documentary (not the movie.) It is so good!!!
I loved the Mister Rogers clip. That’s the world I want to live in. I was brought up not the hate other people. In fact, what I learned from my parents was that the worst thing I could do to another person was intentionally hurt their feelings or exclude them. Seems almost quaint now . . .
You were lucky, Liz. I feel that my experience shows people can learn and grow beyond hate. It does seem almost quaint now, which is sad.
It is good to know that people can learn and grow beyond hate. There is always hope.
An important post, Jennie. Thank you for writing it.
Thank you, Alethea.
Wise words Jennie, and I so agree… Looking forward to Gloria and what she has to say 🙂 xxx ❤ xx
Thank you, Sue. Gloria made her debut yesterday. 🙂
That is wonderful Jennie… I am sure she was a huge success 🙂 xx
Well said Jenny. I’ve had friends of all colours, all faiths and none. Once you know people on a personal level it is impossible to hate.
Hate is fear.
Hate is prejudice.
Hate is learnt.
Education melts hate.
Hear, hear!
Hate is unnatural and is taught. We need to change that.
Amen!
I know we’ve talked about this before, but most young children forever understand this lesson far better than adults. I know angry children, but you seldom see one with hate in their heart. How sad is it that this is the “lesson” some parents teach their children?
You are spot on, Pete. Children just don’t hate. It’s a learned trait. I wish the press would not ‘fan the fire’.
Excellent post on road out of hate, Jennie. Love is so important in all our lives. All have to be included we are all one.
Well said, Kamal. You are so right. Thank you.
Always welcome dear Jennie 😊🙏🏻😊
I don’t believe in white or black! I think that we should believe on humility! 👏
Yes.
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Gloria can do what others could have problems with. Great idea, Jennie! Enjoy a wonderful week! xx Michael
Yes, she can! Thank you, Michael.
Hi Jennie, a very insightful post. I have friends across the race and culture spectrum.
Thank you, Robbie. I think we’re better and stronger that way.
Jennie, you summed it all up with this – “When you learn to like a person, you understand their culture, and that is step #1 in getting out of hate.” I am a Jew and this past year I have become very close friends with an Iranian woman.
I’ve always had diverse friends and loved learning about different cultures. And let me tell you, Persian women love to feed people like Jewish people do too. 🙂 ❤
Beautifully said, Debby! You are one who understands and ‘walks the walk’. I smiled at the food! 😀 Many thanks!!
And thank you for that. ❤
You are most welcome! 💕
Oh, Jennie! I know what you are speaking of and have seen it in every form up close and personal. As a kindergartner coming to the states for the first time at the end of WWII, children had already been taught to hate Germans. It was my primary language but I understood what they were saying about me. When you see it from that perspective, it changes how you view prejudice. As an army brat, we still didn’t mix much. I listened to a podcast this week by Dr. Gabor Mate’ on the Israeli/Palestine conflict. As a Jew, he was heartbroken and expressed how sad he was about the whole thing and why. Short and to the point it’s worth the listen. Hate is ignorance about who or what we hate. You do such good work nipping it in the bud here.
Well said, Marlene. Yes, hate is ignorance. I’m glad you shared it from your perspective. As a kindergartener you could feel the hate. Wow. Thanks for your kind words. I can’t change the world, but I can plant a few seeds in children.