How can we address hate?

4/12/2017

by Gwendolyn M Plano

Hate can rip through a soul like a jagged knife. It’s unwanted and unexpected insertion carves a chilling path of barbed wire wrapped in deceit. We shudder when we see it, recoil when it draws near, but usually we imagine it lives only – over there.

But hate thrives on all shores. In the poisoned waters of Flint, Michigan it flows; in the dying mouths of Syrian children, it thrives. Hate lives where fear or complacency hides, and when it arrives, it takes innocence as its prize.

What is our choice? Do we fight hate with hate? Can a hardened heart silence its blade?

On April 24th, we remember a time when hate shouted dreams, and many refused to hear its terrible scream. Six million of us died because we chose a lie.

Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom Hashoah) is not just about Jews and a deadly regime; it is about you and me.

Three authors (John W Howell, Jan Sikes and myself) will speak on this topic through Blog Talk Radio on April 24th. We will address the following quote and ask an important question - has anything changed?

My greatest disappointment is that I believe that those of us who went through the war and tried to write about it, about their experience, became messengers. We have given the message, and nothing changed. ~ Elie Wiesel

Please join us if you have a moment, as we consider our responsibility.

14 Comments

John Howell link

4/12/2017 13:36:49

My honor to be with the two of you, Gwen. This is an important day and broadcast.

Gwen Plano

4/13/2017 06:52:14

Thank you, John...I'm looking forward to your comments. All the best...

Davy D link

4/13/2017 02:42:03

I would love to listen to this Gwen. Will it be available as a recording or podcast as the times in the UK may be significantly different?

Gwen Plano

4/13/2017 06:49:18

Thank you, Davy. Yes, it will be recorded and available at any time. I'll tweet the link afterwards. Have a great day... :)

Davy D link

4/14/2017 21:54:04

Thanks Gwen, that would be appreciated. Have a peaceful Easter break.

Mae Clair link

4/13/2017 06:02:10

I will be out of the country but I wish you, John and Jan all the best with the broadcast, Gwen. I'm sure it will be a powerful broadcast.

Gwen Plano

4/13/2017 06:50:05

Thanks so much, Mae.... Safe (and fun) travels!

D.L. Finn

4/13/2017 13:15:14

Hi Gwen,
A tough topic, thank you for posting this. I have been thinking about his a lot and I always wonder what would I have done in these situations and now. I try not to fall into all the fear that is being promoted feeding this hate. It always saddens me to see what another human being can do to another human being. I look forward to hearing your show, even if I am not there when you broadcast it, I listen later. Have we changed and heard the message, I like to think many have and need to make their voices heard.

Gwen Plano

4/14/2017 19:35:03

Thank you, D. L. It is a rough topic, one which I think most of us would like to ignore. With the three of us speaking on the topic, I hope we can shed some light. Blessings....

Jan Sikes link

4/13/2017 13:52:05

I have to admit I struggled with this quote, but the more I contemplated it, the more clear it got. I look forward to chatting with you and John on the 24th!

Gwen Plano

4/14/2017 19:35:53

Thank you, Jan. I look forward to it as well. All the best!

John Fioravanti

4/13/2017 17:09:15

This is truly a powerful quote, Gwen. I'm sure the three of you will do it justice and give your listeners a lot to consider. Keeping the dialogue open is a good beginning to action.

Gwen Plano

4/14/2017 19:37:11

Thank you, John. It's a weighty topic...one that deserves careful consideration. All the best to you....

Julie Watson

5/4/2017 03:43:46

Hi Gwen, I often think about the holocaust and it is a reminder to us all what the human nature is capable of. Thanks for posting and remembering those poor people who died.

How can we address hate?

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