General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: The chilling effect of misogynistic trolls [View all]Voice for Peace
(13,141 posts)I think it's essential to understand this if we want to
progress as a humanity.
What is that root? It is ignorance.
All hate springs from ignorance,
compounded by misinformation.
I have the impression that people think it should not be the
responsibility of minorities to educate racists; or feminists
to educate misogynists; or gay men and women to educate
homophobes; is this a correct impression?
In my experience,
the only thing
that can remove ignorance
is knowledge.
Once in a blue moon anger will get through; every so often
a battle is won by force, and necessarily so. But the real work,
lasting long term, is education. Help people turn on the lights,
so they can see for themselves.
The ones already educated -- who understand
issues deeply thoroughly and personally -- are
in my opinion the only ones qualified to educate
others about these issues.
Without being issue-specific, I have often felt this way:
Help me!! Help me to understand! I do not WANT to be XYZ, I can not see myself, HELP ME understand
what you see, and how I/we can move past it.
Sadly too often the response has been unfriendly and disheartening, like Fuck you if you don't already
understand.
Two teachers, one classroom of students.
One teacher resorts to anger, shaming, insults;
the other uses kindness, humor, tolerance,
forgiveness, an occasional ROAR when needed.
Love is powerful. So is Humility.
Kindness is SUPER-powerful; it
can totally disarm assholes, who
generally are stumped for a response.
Listening & Understanding are Superpowers.
They allow you to see into the other person, and
to find loopholes, weak spots in their ignorance.
Forgiveness is also a superpower which, when used
appropriately and at the right times, can help
prevent illnesses brought on by anger, stress.