Hating hate

Vincent J. Curtis

6 May 22

RE: A way to end hatred in Hamilton.  Op-ed by Ameil J. Joseph, associate professor at the school of social work, McMaster University

Ameil Joseph hates racism.  He hates it so much that even a symbol of rebellion he doesn’t understand sets him off and is interpreted as an exhibition of racism.  Then, he’s shocked to discover that the more he reacts against racism, the more hatred and racism there seems to arise.  He’s disappointed to discover that when a fight is picked over a contentious issue, there are some people on the morally questionable side that are happy to finish the fight.

The first law of medicine is “first, do no harm.”  Dr. Joseph can accept this advice by first, sparing us the moral lectures.  He doesn’t have a monopoly on truth and virtue.  Hanging a flag on your private property to express discontent with misgovernment is not an act of aggression.  The aggression arises when other people mau-mau the property owner into compliance with the political orthodoxy the flag protested.  When it’s none of their business.  When you go out of your way to get offended.  A friendly, neighborly wave couldn’t be attempted.

Hatred is part of human nature, and Dr. Joseph’s zeal to end hatred in Hamilton is fueled by hatred.  The best we can do with hatred is to minimize it.

The best way Dr. Joseph and his friends can minimize hatred in Hamilton is to first, mind their own business, and second, STFU!

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