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“It’s often ignorance that fuels hatred.”
This sentence was part of my response to the post “Good Not To Know ” on OwlSparks last week. The author of the post, my friend Carlos, tweeted these words later that day, and I realized that if they resonated with him, they would be meaningful to share with blogosphere. I truly believe that ignorance and fear of the unknown fuel hatred. We have witnessed extreme examples of this cause and effect throughout history: the Holocaust, ethnic cleansing, the Middle East conflict… Unfortunately, I could go on and on. But, major world events are not the only times ignorance breeds hatred. Although on a lesser scale, I’m sure every one of us has witnessed a representation of this at least once in our lifetime.
Ignorance is an interesting word. Someone can be ignorant in a number of different ways, they may lack book smarts, street smarts, or a verbal filter. Although many people recognize what they do not know and seek out opportunities to learn, there are some who could care less. Honestly, it’s much easier to remain ignorant. Learning takes time and effort, and requires a willingness to change (shudder!). Hating what is different or unknown to you is the easy way out.
It’s tempting to look to the past and wonder how different our world might be if people had embraced each others’ differences instead of fighting about them. But, as they say, the past is the past, and there’s nothing we can do about it now. So, what can we do? First of all, have an open mind. Don’t judge a book by its cover applies to a lot more than just books. Give someone a chance before you pass judgement on them. Try not to blindly accept stereotypes and generalizations. Instead, form your own opinion. Seek out the people in your life who are different than you in some way, and ask questions. Ignorance is strong enough to fuel hatred, but knowledge can put out the fire.
Let me just make one thing clear, I’m not a jaded idealist. I don’t believe that everyone should forget history, and I’m not picturing a diverse circle of people sitting around a campfire singing Kumbaya. I’m not so naive as to say that if people could just be nicer, the world would be a happy place and there would be peace. We can’t erase the past, but we can impact what happens in the future. Being different doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Take the opportunity to teach people about the things that are important to you. Chances are they’ve always wondered, but have been afraid to ask.
I have always been someone who embraced differences, and saw my own as an opportunity instead of a curse. So, I’ll be the first to offer. If anyone has any questions about Judaism, I will do my best to answer them, and I will be happy to share with you!
Do you agree that ignorance fuels hatred? Can knowledge put out the fire? Have you or someone you know found an innovative way to teach about their differences?
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Comments
06.19.09
Sometimes ignorance prevents hatred. At first it's just "oh if we understood where each other was coming from, we could find a mutual and peaceful ground." But, sometimes once you get passed your own ignorance, you learn how evil the opposition truely is.
06.19.09
Scott: Interesting perspective...I definitely understand where you're coming from, and I guess it really depends on how people choose to view things. Personally, I try to look for the good in people. Of course, there will always be people who we just can't get along with no matter what, maybe they're "the opposition," as you put it, but we should at least give people the chance before we make assumptions. Thanks for your input!
06.20.09
Knowledge only works if the other person is open to it.
"My mind is made up. Don't confuse me with the facts."
And then there are times and places where the emnity runs so deep, that to ignore it is to ignore over a thousand years of history.
06.20.09
I think ignorance can play a role in a hatred, but it's more to your point of having an open mind. I can be completely ignorant of your customs or culture, but it doesn't mean I'll hate them as long as I am open to you being different from me.
A lot of times "ignorance" and "knowledge" is in the perspective people have. Religious affiliation aside, a person who uses the Bible to justify discrimination will say they are knowledgeable of the Bible while I'll say they are ignorant to the overall message Christians say the book is supposed to have.
06.20.09
@JRandom: very true, nothing can be gained by forcing change on someone. Whether you are trying to change their opinion or their habits, it's only worthwhile if they themselves are willing and open to what you have to say.
@Drew: you make an important point, there are various degrees of "ignorance," and people have different interpretations of the word. So, I think it is about having an open mind, and maybe instead of being totally ignorant, having enough understanding of others to coexist in peace.
06.21.09
I think a lot of things fuel hatred, religion, oppression, environment and yes ignorance, because ignorance fuels misinformation and fear.
I don't think conquering ignorance alone can stem all hate but it certainly can counter it, and that is a good thing.
A friend of mine was recently funded for a local program of ESL and SSL. This area, though in a liberal state is a very conservative area and there has been a lot of hate directed at the Hispanic community, for illogical reasons.
The language program, of which I am part on a volunteer basis this summer, works to not only teach English to native Spanish speakers but gives English speakers an opportunity to learn Spanish. Based on the premise the more you know the less you fear and the less you fear the less you hate.
The program also has other elements incorporated into it which help as well.
So yes, I think in some ways the less ignorance the less fear, but there are certainly other reasons for hate, and it is not always about ignorance.
06.21.09
Cooper: Of course, ignorance is not the only cause of hate, but it's a major contributor that we often overlook. Your story is a perfect example of the power of knowledge, and I think it's great that the program offers so many different opportunities to learn.
06.21.09
I like how you've put knowledge in as the solution to ignorance. Taking it deeper to another level, the root of knowledge relies on curiosity. As you said, "seek...and ask questions." The desire to do so has to come from somewhere or someone or else you would not have been ignorant to begin with.
Acquiring knowledge may not be for everyone, especially in the form of books. Curiosity in and of itself allows you to explore and expose yourself to information that may make you want to learn. A thirst for knowledge may not come naturally, but as soon as you make a person curious and open to their surroundings through what makes them tick, I believe the knowledge will follow.
06.22.09
Akshay: I love the way you look at this! You're exactly right, curiosity is what motivates people to seek knowledge. Even if we can't fully educate someone, at least we can spark their curiosity and hopefully encourage them to find out more in the future.
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