Article: We are Starting to Enjoy Hatred

Article: We are Starting to Enjoy Hatred (Opinion Piece by Peggy Noonan, May 30, 2024)

Yesterday, Peggy Noonan shared her opinion in the Wall Street Journal: We are Starting to Enjoy Hatred. In the article she writes, among other things, “But what I am seeing is that we do not mind disliking each other now. We like it. That is the new thing, that we are enjoying the estrangement.”

First let me mention that I do not agree with everything in this article. But it is an opinion piece and she, like everyone else, is entitled to her own opinion. We must be respectful of that and any/all responses to this article should be with respectful words, leaving out unnecessary or derogatory comments.

Why am I sharing this on the Fellowship for Social Justice blog?

I agree with Ms. Noonan that it seems that some people enjoy hatred. I will even go so as to say they appear to thrive in an environment that inspires hate if it justifies their emotions. That is what concerns me.

I am a firm believer that it is especially important for those of us who participate in social justice activism that we do not allow hate for anyone or anything to be a part of our lives. “If you must hate, hate piousness, hate violence, hate starvation, hate sickness, hate bigotry, hate judgement. But know this, it is still hate. It will eat you alive from the inside out.” Rev. Mark Sandlin.

As believers of social justice, it is important to remember that others will respond to our words and actions as they view the world. Often, we are not able to know what the worldview is of an individual or group. Therefore, choosing our words and how we offer/deliver our help requires thought.

I recommend that we begin each day, whether it is in service of others or just for self-care, we begin directing our thoughts in the possibility of what our words and actions can bring about in this crazy, turbulent time. Then be wise in your decisions.

You can read the article here