Hate is a powerful thing and as we move into the special days we might think about the greater purpose of humanity and think about our responsibility in making our world a better place. The theoretical example I have been using acts like a thought experiment to discover what potential factors might impact hate, corruption, extremism and misapplication of justice. It is important because it helps us stay faithful to our purpose as a people and encourages officials to ensure their actions are in alignment with our social contracts.
When you read these social contracts such as the Constitution, Bill of Rights, Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Religion I have not found a person that disagrees with these concepts on principle. It doesn't matter the race, religion or political perspective of the person I have talked with. I haven't found a person on the planet that disagrees in root universal principle.
However, on a practical level we can understand why one could find them inconvenient if they have an agenda and upholding such principles are inconvenient. Inconvenient in the aggression of hate and inconvenient in the follow up of justice. That inconvenience is a clearer statement of the unwritten rules that foster 2nd class citizenship with few to no rights-those who are dehumanized.
In the hypothetical thought experiment people wanted something and spread dangerous and bigoted rumors in a way that not only harmed the target of hate but also the children and parent of the victims. Different race and religion along with the ability to exploit social connections in backroom discussions made this possible. Out-group aggression was publically displayed. Whistleblowers came forward about various aspects of corruption and were quickly retaliated against with aggression and threats/attemps at violence. It was later found that not only were the whistleblowers correct but also there was a good old boy network (known as the clan) that protected each other and furthered each other's interests. Social associations between the perpetrators, a few local corrupted officers (...the bad apples that undermine our institutions and mask the good that comes from such work. It appeared most wanted the highest outcomes and rooted for justice but fearful of voicing opinions in contrast. We have to strengthen and protect patriotic officials who believe in right over might. Good peeps out there so let's give due respect. Bad apples should not reflect on all. ) and a judge that opened lots of questions.
While we explore the ugly side of how injustice and dehumanization function there are positive outcomes based on increasing awareness and learning. We as a people can treat each other well and we can ensure our laws apply equally to different races, religions, political status, etc. We have to make a commitment to our oaths and social contracts to do that. So far that commitment has been lacking among some officials and decision makers. However, those people have no right to judge or make decisions about others. Moral authority lost. There are differences between professing, believing and upholding. This is where the problem may lay.
Gratitude is the one thing victims can use as a powerful tool. Gratitude of what is good in life and what is helpful to society. Gratitude for those in the past and those they will meet in the future. Purpose comes from doing your best to teach others not to engage in these behaviors and encourage the system to adapt so as to protect future victims of extremism, corruption, and hate through upholding of social contracts we all believe in. This isn't immature political arguments but figuring out the best way to ensure the root of society is strong and ready for growth.
What we have learned:
1. Chronic and blatant injustice with no recourse leads to dehumanization. Victims are simply not seen as human and not worthy of fair treatment.
2. While there may be different unwritten laws for different people but most believe in universal fair treatment. The vast majority of people want good but are not educated on what that means in terms of practical justice. Examples help us learn.
3. Factor x had been elusive but discovered through different pathways. The loop closed. The question might be whether the larger system knows how to handle intentional injustice. What direction will the ship turn?
4. A lot of officials may talk of justice and values but not everyone has them. This has been a problem since the beginning of modern society. We must promote the best and brightest to ensure the fibers of society are tightly woven. Patriotism isn't shallow, superficial, or blind as it is an active value.
You can read The Concept of Justice In Greek Philosophy (Plato and Aristotle) and think about what jutice meant in history and how there is a type of harmony that comes from justice. From a philosophical perspective justice is foundational of democracy. This is why we should all support it.
*This is a hypthetical thought experiment designed to explore how to improve a system. A philosophical exercise. Take with a grain of salt.
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