Division and hatred

I don’t often feel nervous, not in the usual ways. For example, I’m not really afraid of speaking in public. I don’t panic or lose sleep when I need to take big decisions. When I take tests or exams, I am naturally composed. I focus on answering all the questions to the best of my abilities. The worst that can happen is that I will not pass. There’s one thing that makes me nervous, though—not for myself, but for all of us. That’s the rise of populism, division and hatred in politics.

Division and hatred

I have seen an increase of the discourse of “we” versus “them”. The dehumanization of perceived enemies. The targeting of specific groups, mainly of the vulnerable. Communities being torn apart, children being separated from their parents. Politicians have been stoking fear and division on the population for years. They have profited from polarization, oftentimes both sides of spectrum have promoted that as being mutually beneficial.

Point of no return

The problem that I see with this is that soon we will reach the point of no return. When leaders start to ignore the constitution, or there’s a double standard and not everyone is equal under the law. When rulers disobey court orders and the mechanism of checks and balances starts to fall apart.

Immigrants aren’t the enemy

I look ahead to a time when only sport competitions will produce rival fans. Everyone will be an important contributing part of the community. When the government established by the majority will look after and consider the interests of the minority. Patriotism shouldn’t be an excuse to deport your neighbor based on skin color, when they are legally in the country. It shouldn’t allow deportation based on the accent they have, when they are contributing to the society.

Everyone has a history and a reason to be where they are. Oversimplifying anyone’s situation isn’t the solution. Nor is promoting division and hatred.