By Janice S. Ellis, Ph.D., Kansas City, MO –

Racial and religious hatred must be eradicated no matter how naïve or Quixotic the notion may sound? On what side of the ledger are you? Hopeful or resigned? Another September 11th passed this week, just to remind us that racial and religious hatred isn’t only alive but thriving. Have we learned any lessons during the past decade?

When one looks at the fatal unrest happening in the Middle East, supposedly, as an outcome of a picture that denigrates the Muslim faith, it raises urgency and the necessity to mitigate if not eradicate the terrorists and demagoguery practices on all sides. Innocent lives were lost. Wild violence and destruction abound. No one is without duty. No one is without blame. The only distinction is the amount to which each of us produces.

This year was to be the first in which we transitioned into a time for intimate and private memorials, only when America thought that, after a decade of complex memorials to those who lost their lives on 911. But throughout the Arab world, those private memorials were bombarded by anti-American protests all week.

Racist and religious hatred is prevalent: Photo Credit: quotes-pictures.feedio

American Embassies in Libya, and Egypt, Yemen, Tunisia, Tel Aviv were the objectives of upset Muslims. In Libya, four Americans, including our Ambassador to Libya, lost their lives. Many of the demonstrators lost their lives too. All this mayhem is caused by spiritual, racial, and cultural intolerance.

In the 21st Century, we search for a civilized society, where motive and words must replace guns and acts of violence. Will humankind ever completely command the warring nature within? Will we constantly confront the “Barbarians at the Gate” prepared to tap into the savage and the foundation?

Unfortunately, we, including our children, frequently watch such hateful, violent, and senseless conduct unfold in real time in the living and family rooms of our homes. How do we explain to a child that is curious the senselessness of it, or do we trouble ourselves to describe it at all?

Innocent kids ask how do we as parents, teachers, caring adults, respond to the questions:
Why did those folks die? Why are they burning our flag?

An explanation that is informed might cause the beginning of better things to come, maybe not in our life; what if the lives of future generations improve because of the explanations? How can we not take time to discuss the realities with our children, grandchildren?

There are those calling for America to make a critical and speedy answer, not only to bring justice for the Americans killed, but to quell the forthcoming dangers on our embassies and the committed American citizens. Without a doubt, America should. Without a doubt, America will.

If there is a glowing spot, we can rest in knowing that the terrorists and despots are in the minority in those states, including the USA, where they persist in lifting their barbaric heads.

Nonetheless, what are the longer-term strategies? What will make the world a more peaceful place to live? Should we move forward — optimistic or resigned?

Remember, future generations are listening and seeing.

Feature Photo Credit: islamophobiawatch.com

Edited and Reprinted with Permission of USAonRace.com