Norms and expectations (family, religion, work ethics, etc.) of society have changed for the worst over the last 30 years regardless of reason. Some Americans regardless of station in life have a void in their life that is exploited by others.
Regardless, if it is white supremacists, black radicalism, Nazis, Radical Islam, political extremes, or other self-centered groups, their desire is to promote themselves by using hatred. If we are to be a strong society we must become united in eradicating ALL forms of prejudice in America. Since these beliefs (disease) are learned after birth, it is transferred to other individuals often by family, friends, religion, politics, media and politicians. It is a learned trait or disease that is usually transferred to open minds. Some responsibility also lies with the media and politicians (both sides) who present information that divides individuals and America while promoting their individual goals.
We must individually take responsibility for eradicating these diseases from society by uniting in one common message “Americans stand together” quarantining any individuals or message that plays into the mentality of dividing or excluding Americans (including political and media). The best antidote is for individuals to show one another we stand together against this scourge/disease dividing America.
So how do we begin?
We begin by sharing our interest/love/friendship with each other. Something as simple as a greeting “Hello.” Go out of your way to talk to someone new each day to get a new perspective of their life challenges. Instead of allowing a negative view/attitude about people to permeate society we must individually take responsibility for sharing a positive message with each other. Individually we need to trust each other and become one America.
A forest grows one tree at a time.
Robert Bentz is a resident of the Village of Lake Deaton.
