Logic vs Hate

1.    Elizabeth Young-Bruehl wrote in “The Anatomy of Prejudices” that hate is classified into three distinct kinds of hate; “obsessive, hysterical and narcissistic.” Can hate be classified as anything but “hate” itself? Do you think she was justified in her classifications?

2.    We FINALLY elected the first African-American President in history! Do you think it’s helped us be more tolerant of other races? Or did it make us feel like we’re “making up” for slavery and all the horrors we put them through as a race?

3.    Was Andrew Sullivan on point or wrong by saying: “A free country will always mean a hateful country?” Explain.

 

This was by far the best article we have read so far! I couldn’t agree with Sullivan more than when he said that: “A free country will always be a hateful country.” To some this may sound insulting, mean and depressing. But think about it…WE ARE A FREE COUNTRY!! Isn’t it our right to hate or love whatever or whoever we may choose?!! I should think so. Don’t go out murdering people or anything, but think and say whatever you like…please! I miss hearing white people being called “Crackers.” That’s what we are right? Our founding fathers would be flabbergasted at all these new “hate laws” that place innocent people (most “hate crimes” don’t involve violence) in jail. Our ancestors came over here to be free of England and religious persecution.  So why then is “hating” on someone, whatever the reason may be, a crime now? Isn’t it just clogging up our jail system with people simply practicing their “freedom of speech” as stated in the First Amendment? It’s a pretty sketchy thing to talk about and there are so many variations and levels of “hate” when involved with committing a crime. But to take away anyone’s right to act or think as long as it doesn’t involve injury or death is unconstitutional. This practice is often referred to as Libertarianism, and it ain't such a bad idea! And as long as there is hate, we have love. Isn’t love the most beautiful single emotion in the Universe?! Don’t we all yearn for love? There is a yin and yang to the Universe that cannot be touched without chaos ensuing. Sullivan says in closing: “In some ways, some expression of prejudice serves a useful social purpose. It lets of steam; it allows natural tensions to express themselves incrementally; it can siphon off conflict through words, rather than actions.” I totally concur with him on this. I’m not advocating people freely and violently expressing ultimate hatred! It just makes sense to me what Sullivan was trying to say. We can’t bottle up our natural emotions inside that we feel towards other people different than ourselves. We are expressive and free beings that are not going to change. And to ask us to do so is silly. Call me crazy, a lot of people do; but I think Andrew Sullivan was dead on with this article. Enough said.