When did our society become a place filled with so much hatred?

In the last year, there have been far too many incidents that have occurred due to hate as a motive. Both shootings in Orlando, countless incidents by police and also incidents toward the police. Within the 24 hours it has taken me to write this article there have been new hate crimes that we are all seeing on the news. These events are unacceptable acts that should not still be happening in America where you are supposedly able to freely express yourself.

We are not born hateful. It is something that we acquire as we grow and go through experiences in our lives. We cannot let one experience with one person from one situation affect our opinion about an entire group of people. You cannot make valid claims that an entire race, religion or any other group of people all act the same way just because you saw one person do so, it is just not true.

Of course, this is not a new problem. This is an issue that has been relevant since the beginning of mankind. Through the increase of social media usage, hate seems to be spread in much quicker, and easier ways. With the ability to hide behind a screen, people are able to express harsh words toward others without having to be held accountable and have to deal with the consequences. I feel that much of this hatred stems from having very little knowledge and understanding of those who are different from us.The lack of educating people about other cultures, religions, and ways of life just leaves us with ignorant people who have no respect for others. Those who act on this hatred typically do so out of fear and misunderstanding. We become so accustomed to our ways of life that anything even remotely different is considered "not normal." Society teaches us to outcast those who do not follow these "norms."

People are also able to pick and choose what news sources they get information from. Typically, people choose to watch news shows and programs that already fits their opinions. I actually have a relative who will watch a political debate but instead of listening to the entire debate and hearing what everyone has to say, he will mute the liberal party because he cannot bring himself to listen to what they have to say. That is a huge issue! If you have no idea what someone is saying they can bring to this country than how can you justify the fact that you dislike them? This adds to the problems of people's false impression of others by only allowing them to hear one side to a story and not get all the facts. People must realize that in order to fully understand an event or situation it is crucial to to further research so that they can be sure they have all the correct information before jumping to an irrational conclusion. It leaves people confused, scared, and filled with hate for certain groups.

Hateful words are used in daily conversations. "I hate so and so" or "I hate that." Why is so much hate being spread around our communities? Of course you can disagree with others opinions or beliefs but to act violently or be so cruel because they don't think the same way as you is just downright wrong. A change needs to take place.

This is in no way a simple problem to solve but I do believe that it is a problem that should be addressed. Instead of becoming a more accepting society, as we should be, we are growing more fearful and hateful then ever. People need to let go of being so narrow minded and be open to the idea that people can be different. Other people should be able to freely live their lives how they wish without having to live in fear of getting attacked, both verbally and physically, for their beliefs, race, sex, etc. Hate crimes have been around for far too long and are getting worse as the years go on. Generalizations for entire groups of people cannot be made. You cannot allow opinions you may have of just one person or one action to cloud your judgement of all people like them.