Why do we 'despise' difference?

1. 76

   jlparkposted 11 years ago

   Why do we 'despise' difference?
   
   Since when did it become a bad thing to be different, and why do we strive to make others feel awful for being different to us? Particularly if they are a minority and do/are something we dislike? I'm curious.

   replyreport
2. 0

   cjaroszposted 11 years ago

   Simply because that's the way we were taught. The strong prevail, and so on. Its not a matter of personal judgement. Its a matter of what we know. Learn by example. We judge others quickly because someone has shown us to do it. In time, it becomes a habit. Which is really side. That why " think before you say or do" is often said. People don't rely on morals and self judgement.

   replyreport
   1. 76

      jlparkposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for your answer. Very true - we are taught, by people who were taught before us. It takes one person to change the lesson we are teaching to change the world for those coming after us.

      replyreport
3. 65

   carlarmesposted 11 years ago

   I must be a little nieve, in the UK we seem to celebrate it these days, many parts of the world find strength in their differences, London is about the most diverse city on the planet these days, similar to New York in its variety of people's

   replyreport
   1. 76

      jlparkposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Most countries do celebrate it now, but you still get the vocal groups who make a lot of noise about something different - SSM debates etc seem to bring out the worst in people!. thanks for your answer

      replyreport
4. 0

   JThomp42posted 11 years ago

   I think "despise" is a bit harsh. Disagree with, yes. This is what has be ingrained in us since a very young age. Just like it is taught for us to know right from wrong. Be kind, compassionate, loving, etc. toward your fellow man.
   
   Unfortunately, many parents do not teach this. They teach hate, racism, etc. It all starts when we are young. What we turn out to be, and think, is ingrained in us through our very early years.

   replyreport
   1. 76

      jlparkposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      THanks for you answer. I don't think despise is a bit harsh, it is exactly what I meant - disagreeing to the point of hatred is not mere disagreement.  Anyway, I agree with the rest of this. Thanks for answering

      replyreport
5. 72

   d.williamposted 11 years ago

   Great question.  If you look at the people who do the despising they are all members of some group that has indoctrinated them into their fold.  The vast majority of haters are from religious backgrounds who are taught by their respective religions that everyone that does not belong to their group is to be hated, feared and judged as inferior.
   In the best of worlds diversity would be something that is embraced and cherished instead of despised and hated. 
   The negativity of these haters shows the prevalence of the lack of education, the lack of sensitivity,  and the increase in the negative influences of organized religions as a whole.  (Such hate groups as N.O.M. and the K.K.K., are also considered  a religious organization, so these comments are not confined to only the most well known hate spreaders).
   These people are programmed to hate anything that is not like them in all respects.  Truly a sad testimony to our current societal mentality.  Especially disheartening in a country as large and diverse as the U.S. where words like  'tolerance',' liberal',  and 'acceptance' are still  dirty words.

   replyreport
   1. 76

      jlparkposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for your answer. You looked further into the question - which is what I was kinda looking for. It is disheartening - difference is what makes the world go round, makes life interesting...yet fear and hatred ruin that.

      replyreport