It still astounds me at how short-sighted and close-minded people can be at times. That, coupled with examples of current events in different parts of the world, I feel a great concern with how things are for humanity. Are we progressing or are we regressing?

Consider how easy it is for some to get so caught up on one single facet of something said, that the probability of misinterpreting the message increases dramatically. Of which, can result in poorly thought-out reactions, that can cause poor reactions in others as they respond. Case in point, the President, during one of his recent speeches… Attempted to convey that a group’s use of “viciously brutal actions, under the mantle of religious authority,” was not unique to that area and drew parallels with both the Crusades and the Inquisition.

And many people flipped out (I made the mistake of reading some of the comments). Some took it personally. Some, who already had a negative bias towards the man, took it in a left-field direction. Some took it as an attack upon their beliefs. While some took the opportunity to lash out at the beliefs of others who took offense. The only commonality that some of the people who took offense, and the people of the past being referenced, is similarities in their chosen system of belief. He wasn’t attacking anyone’s beliefs. No, he was drawing up a parallel in an attempt to add weight to his message.

A concern here is that people are reacting on a sliver of what was said, and it would seem to be for all the wrong reasons. Perhaps it is a lasting consequence of sensationalism in action. Rather than getting upset and flying off the handle, would it not behoove one to attempt to acquire a deeper understanding of what was said? Perhaps this is an example of insecurities in action. Rather than attacking another’s beliefs, should we not attempt to inform those people that it was an attempt at drawing a parallel? Perhaps this is an example of hubris in action. Should we be concerned at how easy it is for others to simply close off their minds? Especially when it seems so commonplace?

Some would be inclined to think or say that we, as in humanity, have progressed. I am inclined to disagree. I think there is an increased “awareness” of others (and events) gained through technological developments (i.e. Internet). This “awareness” may give us an impression of progress… However, I think this is not the case. Rather, I am of the opinion that we have not progressed as far as we would like to believe.

What is this world coming to? When we speak of progress, are we really just trying to make ourselves feel better about the state of things? Are we just distracting ourselves with a new shiny bit of technology? Put a stamp on it and pat ourselves on the head? Yes… good little monkey, here’s a cookie.

Can we really call ourselves progressive when we cannot seem to get past our differences? Can we expect to move forward when we so readily resort to vile and violent acts towards one another?

I am mostly pissed off about these reports of such acts by groups and organizations that think it is perfectly alright to kill, behead, mutilate another person and broadcast it. Only small-minded cowards would resort to such tactics. This can also apply to those who succumb to the mob mentality and rove around in a small group and assault and beat up (or worse) those who are different. Yeah, real tough… five on one. Pathetic really.

In order to deal with these people, is violence the answer? Perhaps in many cases, yes. If all other avenues had been exhausted? Yes. But, should we, as a people, allow ourselves to be influenced and behave similarly, thereby creating a cycle of violence? No…

Does this view make me a pacifist? No, it does not… I just cannot condone senseless violence.

It bothers me when I see humanity begin to take real steps forward towards progress, and becoming more forward-thinking, only to take two or three steps back. I think a part of it is a matter of conditioning. Whether it is beliefs (or lack thereof), sexuality, appearances… humanity tends to treat each other rather poorly. Whether physically or psychological… we lash out at those who dare to defy our paradigms, those who dare to differ from us.