Grace Leads to Insight and Change: Understanding Bigotry and Hate and How to Learn From It

Speaking out against bigotry and wrongdoing is essential, especially when such behavior continues for long periods without correction or adaptive learning. We are meant to function as one people, yet there are those who deliberately create division through shortsighted thinking and behaviors. These individuals seek to elevate themselves by mistreating, harming and belittling others. Institutions are generally designed to guard against unchecked wrongdoing, but at times—and for various reasons—those checks and balances fail. It is not by accident they fail but by neglect of duty. In this learning example the courts knew of the wrong and incentivized it anyway. That is especially true against certain types of people. An ugly truth that has resurfaced at various times in history. Most may do the right things but when they don't victims are created. Checks amd balances are essential to good health of the system.

There is a higher purpose to the role of these institutions that some may not understand. It is important to stand for what is right even in the face of insurmountable and overwhelming odds. 

Insight is a gift and the 
greatest gift you can give
over the holidays is
the gift of understanding
and humanity. 
Values are socially driven.
We are what we believe.
Do good in the face of wrong.
You have found grace.

It is entirely natural to feel unsettled or frustrated when you witness repeated wrongdoing, particularly when groups engage in behavior that have harmed and dehumanized people they don't like even though the targets have done nothing but be a good victim (...to understand the roots of hate to help others.). Perhaps this group has done it so much to so many people they do not know the difference between right and wrong and those who placate such behaviors are the weakest most underdeveloped membersof society. They need to be liked by any means necessary. Caring is a sign of health, not weakness, even though some often interpret empathy as something to exploit. This is why such behavior is frequently accompanied by aggression, intimidation, mocking, false narratives, and subtle microaggressions. It becomes even more troubling when additional and more serious misconduct by some members comes to light and the same court failed to protect them as well (A culture of mistreatment by a few members that others took too far). At that point, it is reasonable to ask how better decisions and outcomes might have been achieved had these actions been addressed earlier. If there wasn't sometimes repeated failures to uphold our principles.

There is no perfect solution, but understanding the problem and its causes is a meaningful start. As individuals, we share a responsibility to protect others and to name harmful behavior when we see it. While imperfect, speaking out can help limit further damage. Truth matters—do not lie or exaggerate, even when honesty is not immediately rewarded. Speaking up will likely bring more mistreatment and retaliation, so it ultimately comes down to one’s deepest values. Harmful behavior is rarely isolated; it tends to recur across different people and situations. When such conduct goes unchallenged—or when individuals are treated as if they are above the law and some as barred from justice—the harm compounds.

Another essential broader tool beyond naming and identifying bad behavior is participation in the democratic process. It seems a touch obtuse but environments are influenced by leadership. Voting matters because it reflects our commitment to values such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to live without harassment from bigots, bullies, or those who enable them. If you want to help your society think about who you are voting for as blind partisanship has damaged us (Some have argued it is time for a third party focused on the needs of the young to smooth out decision making. If we are not doing it for them then who are we doing it for?) Upholding shared, positive principles benefits society as a whole and helps build a stronger foundation for the next generation. There is nothing wrong with trying to make the world better—just be mindful and kind in the process.

Learning leads to grace.
Grace leads to understanding.
Understanding leads to knowledge.
And knowledge, ultimately, leads to change.

*This is a learning story.

Speaking Out Against Bigotry