Hate + Hate = More Hate
“I started thinking about that, and I used to think that the Talib would come, and he would just kill me. But then I said, ‘If he comes, what would you do Malala?’ then I would reply to myself, ‘Malala, just take a shoe and hit him.’
But then I said, ‘If you hit a Talib with your shoe, then there would be no difference between you and the Talib. You must not treat others with cruelty and that much harshly, you must fight others but through peace and through dialogue and through education.’
Then I said I will tell him how important education is and that ‘I even want education for your children as well.’ And I will tell him, ‘That’s what I want to tell you, now do what you want.”
― Malala Yousafzai
The very first time I heard these words from Malala Yousafzai was of great impact to me. Somehow, they reminded me of my childhood. While growing up as a mischievous kid, deep inside I've always known that if any of my siblings had an intention to tell on me to my mother, it was my queue to begin negotiations with them from a wholeheartedly, candid and genuine inner me to change their minds. I would choose the smartest words to persuade them and avoid being scolded; I would be gentle, patient, and compassionate. I would ask for forgiveness even if I didn't think it was necessary, just to make sure their feelings were switched back to a playful stage and continue to have fun together.
When fear arises — even the tiniest glare — we instantly change who we are into the most humble and sympathetic beings. Perhaps that's where the catchphrase "Fear of God" comes from.
In these times, I have a solid interest in trying to understand why people feel so brave today. Where is their fear of God or at least, fear to fail? What is important for people today? They are killing others to make a point regarding a skin color preeminence; they are fighting those who are not alike; they are misinterpreting the Bible; they use offensive terminology without foreseeing the power of their words; they are leading a world over prepotency towards measurements of who is right and who is wrong. This could become a never-ending list.
“If [When] people can't control their own emotions, then they have to start [try]ing to control other people's behavior.” ― Robin Skynner
When I read this quote, I find myself inevitably thinking of how our President, Donald Trump has emboldened white nationalists with racist policies and bigotry. I really cannot understand the difference between these groups and other military groups around the world. The hatred by which they are moved cannot be.
Back to Malala's words, one thing I get clear: hate will not eradicate hate. Therefore, I cannot and will not hate the haters, because as Malala puts it in her story: "then there would be no difference between [me] and [them]." I don't think I will be able to love and appreciate Mr. Trump, or the members of ANY supremacy groups or people who speak offensive words and lack of compassion toward others. I may never understand their ideologies or even listen to their loud voices claiming for a territory that has been built by diverse hands. I will not commune with anyone who tries to distort Jesus' teachings and God's words. But I will try to exercise tolerance in order to make a difference between them and me.
But then I said, ‘If you hit a Talib with your shoe, then there would be no difference between you and the Talib. You must not treat others with cruelty and that much harshly, you must fight others but through peace and through dialogue and through education.’
Then I said I will tell him how important education is and that ‘I even want education for your children as well.’ And I will tell him, ‘That’s what I want to tell you, now do what you want.”
― Malala Yousafzai
The very first time I heard these words from Malala Yousafzai was of great impact to me. Somehow, they reminded me of my childhood. While growing up as a mischievous kid, deep inside I've always known that if any of my siblings had an intention to tell on me to my mother, it was my queue to begin negotiations with them from a wholeheartedly, candid and genuine inner me to change their minds. I would choose the smartest words to persuade them and avoid being scolded; I would be gentle, patient, and compassionate. I would ask for forgiveness even if I didn't think it was necessary, just to make sure their feelings were switched back to a playful stage and continue to have fun together.
When fear arises — even the tiniest glare — we instantly change who we are into the most humble and sympathetic beings. Perhaps that's where the catchphrase "Fear of God" comes from.
In these times, I have a solid interest in trying to understand why people feel so brave today. Where is their fear of God or at least, fear to fail? What is important for people today? They are killing others to make a point regarding a skin color preeminence; they are fighting those who are not alike; they are misinterpreting the Bible; they use offensive terminology without foreseeing the power of their words; they are leading a world over prepotency towards measurements of who is right and who is wrong. This could become a never-ending list.
“
When I read this quote, I find myself inevitably thinking of how our President, Donald Trump has emboldened white nationalists with racist policies and bigotry. I really cannot understand the difference between these groups and other military groups around the world. The hatred by which they are moved cannot be.
Back to Malala's words, one thing I get clear: hate will not eradicate hate. Therefore, I cannot and will not hate the haters, because as Malala puts it in her story: "then there would be no difference between [me] and [them]." I don't think I will be able to love and appreciate Mr. Trump, or the members of ANY supremacy groups or people who speak offensive words and lack of compassion toward others. I may never understand their ideologies or even listen to their loud voices claiming for a territory that has been built by diverse hands. I will not commune with anyone who tries to distort Jesus' teachings and God's words. But I will try to exercise tolerance in order to make a difference between them and me.
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