As I battle through Day 7 of my first sinus infection, I wanted to share a quote someone shared on Facebook earlier today. The share was from a long-time high school friend who now lives in Texas. But, I do not know the original author. So, I am not intending to steal someone else’s words for my own gain.
The quote, however, got my mind cranking. So, I just have to share …
Haters don’t really hate you, they hate themselves cause you’re a reflection of what they wish to be.
— Author Unknown
Thoughts about all the daily tabloid junk I read online and at the supermarket about celebrated actors, musicians, entertainers, politicians, personalities, etc. swirled. I also considered all the rude, inconsiderate, and hurtful commentary I see and hear in the media as well as on the streets in the communities I frequent.
I am so moved by this quote, that it has prompted me to share a blog post I read on March 29 from a blogger I began following recently. She wrote a beautiful piece on silencing stereotypes.
Her observations on why we label ourselves and others inspired a respectful exchange about why it’s such a loss to judge others before giving ourselves a chance to develop any real knowledge of the person or group. Here’s what I said as a part of that dialogue.
Some people have irrational fear of the unknown or of people they are unable to understand/relate to. Our mainstream media often feeds this fire by encouraging people to hold on to stereotypes and/or prejudices. The ongoing Republican/Democrat, left/right wing, liberal/conservative rhetoric is a key example of this. It is sad when people cannot appreciate differences and see that these differences are what make our planet beautiful. Also, it is unfortunate that some people cannot see how much we all have in common with one another. Finally, labels prevent people from developing relationships with others they would otherwise find enjoyable.
In closing, I hope all of you are enjoying this weekend in the company family and/or friends.
For easier access to that blog post I mentioned previously, take a click here …
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Kate Parish 
I appreciate your sentiments, but can’t understand why you read all that daily tabloid junk that you mention in this post… Maybe you ought to turn off the media for a while, and read a bit of the classics, some poetry, and listen to music that people have listened to for more than one generation. It might help you to relax.
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ShimonZ – Thank you for reading. I really appreciated your post regarding the Passover and your reflections about what this holiday means to you and your family. You make valid points. I — and others — have the ability to control what we read, listen to, see, etc.
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I hope your sinus infection clears up quickly. About this post, which I appreciate, when the first quote says ‘haters’, the author is already trying to separate him/herself from others. The truth is, every single one of us has been both a ‘hater’ and envious of another’s success while chiding ourselves for not being as successful as they–and we’ve also been blessed to be successful in things which others momentarily become jealous of us over. We share all those responses because we are people. Likewise, the observation “some people have an irrational fear of the unknown, etc.”, I am one of those people. I am hard-wired to be afraid of that which is unfamiliar, or strange because I was taught to be very careful as a child about this or that. It is instinctive. I know that I am ‘them’. That is why I need God. My new doctor is a practising Muslim. He has taught me by his caring for me that being Muslim is why he is the best doctor I’ve ever had — and I’ve had many. I am not Muslim, but I hope I can be as good a Christian as he is a Muslim–that’s all I hope.
So, do you want me to ask my doctor about your sinus situation? (smile)
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Thanks for reading and sharing your views. Like you, I am a practicing Christian and need God to guide me. I believe my faith is what inspires me to write some of the posts that I do. Sinus situation continues to improve.
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…or, I’ve heard it been said they see things in you they hate about themselves, even sub-consciously.
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Amy — Thanks for reading and good point. This makes me think about that movie “With Honors” as well as an episode of Biggest Loser I watched recently. Congrats on your award.
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Thank you! I’ve never seen the movie. I’ll check it out.
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