Today is Slice of Life Tuesday – the weekly writing challenge hosted at “Two Writing Teachers”
Two days after the horrific killings in Orlando, and we are still trying to make sense of this deadly disaster.
This has been billed as a terrorist act – and yes it induced terror in all of us – but it was overwhelming an act of hatred and intolerance. Many have tried to deny that – instead falling to the ISIS narrative that leads to seek reprisals against Muslims.
Yet, hatred for a group that has gained so many needed laws, is rampant around the world. Our religions all preach love, tolerance, forgiveness, acceptance.
How can anyone call themselves Christian or Jewish or Muslim and deny any one person their right to dignity, love, acceptance?
How can anyone profess to be better than another?
How can anyone claim their way of life, their religion is better than any other?
How can so much hatred still spew forth – from politicians, religious leaders and others?
Fifty people were slaughtered, for believing that love should transcend all things. As Lin-Manuel Miranda said at the Tony’s “ Love is love is love is love is love”
Until we can all accept everyone as our equal – regardless of race, colour, religion, sexual orientation – we are doomed to a world of hatred, intolerance, war and death.
I’d like to share one last quote – from R.J. Palacio – from a letter she wrote to a school district over the disinvitation of a writer:
“The truth is, I’m tired of intolerance. I’m tired of the unkindness that breeds intolerance. I’m tired of the ignorance that fuels it and the fear that spreads it. We must all—authors, publishers, teachers, librarians, and school administrators—work together to stop intolerance in its tracks when we see it. Kindness can never grow where intolerance has taken root.”
Beverley A Baird 
Oh how I agree with everything you have written. How can we…… I don’t know how we can…but so many people feel judging others is part of their rights. I am tired of the moments of silence and I am tired of politicians saying that the families of the victims are in their thoughts and prayers. If that were so, then these people would work together toward a solution.
Thanks so much for your thoughts. This is such a huge problem. If only we could get it right.
I so agree with this — and comments. “Intersectional” has become something of a buzzword but fits here — an ultimate downside. Intolerance is a thread running through it. Yesterday I heard someone on a radio interview make a domestic violence connection.
Thanks Vanessa. This hate and intolerance has to be countered and defeated. We owe it to our children.
I don’t know what to say because you’ve said it so well. We must be tolerant of others, who says our way of thinking is the only way?
So agree Elsie. Kindness matters and is what is needed – a revolution of kindness and respect for all.