Thou shalt love thy neighbor

Why do people feel threatened or get angry by those who are different from them?

Every person on this planet is different from the next. Genetically speaking, however, we are nearly 100% the same. An almost immeasurable percent is all it takes to make us each look, sense, and act differently from each of our peers. Some of the differences may be major (noticeable) or minor (not noticeable). However, it usually seems that the major differences are the ones that anger people the most.

What constitutes a major difference is based on opinion, naturally. Major differences are typically viewed in groups of people for a commonality that they share, for instance their race or sexuality. This was a premise for the Holocaust. A hatred of Jews and other minorities fueled one of the biggest wars in the world's history. Why? Well for many reasons, but for one, they were different. They believed differently or behaved differently enough for the Nazis to want them exterminated.

I think one of the biggest reasons why people feel threatened is because they are unfamiliar with people different from themselves. Psychologically, people seek out those most like themselves. So, it is natural for people to feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable around people who look different, or act different from themselves. However, that is different from feeling threatened or hating someone because they aren't like you. It is particularly easy for people who live in a small town to feel this way, because they are surrounded by people just like them. In a big city, people come to observe those from all walks of life, and come to be more understanding and tolerant of other ideals. That is what I wish for. Tolerance.

Many people ultimately hate what they don't understand. Others feel threatened by people who are different because they fear change, fear that the differences will lead to the tearing down the institutions and beliefs they stand for. I see this particularly in the religious, of many different religions. In America, the Christians are the most easily offended and threatened because they are quick to disapprove of anyone who doesn't follow their Bible's standards. In Saudi Arabia, the Muslims are the main group to feel threatened by different ideals. It all just depends who you are around and where you are.

So, what's my advice on this matter? Rather than hating or refusing to acknowledge differences amongst people, I think people of every type need to reevaluate what really matters. Don't hate, tolerate. I may not have the same beliefs as you, and you may not have the same beliefs as your grandmother, but does that mean we can't all be perfectly content with each other the way we are? You do not have to agree with everyone's lifestyle or decisions, but can't you agree to love them for who they are, and look at the positives rather than nitpick at what bothers you? I promise most people are not out to threaten you and your beliefs, but more than likely they just want people to acknowledge their own. I say keep your beliefs, but recognize that we all are different and have our own thoughts. Above all, we are all human. Love those different from you. Why? Because as if I haven't given you enough reason already, they really aren't that different from you. In fact, they are over 99% the same. Tolerate the differences between you and those around you. Love the differences between you and those around you. Without those differences, no matter how minor or how major, life would be extremely boring. And your friends would be lame and mindless and just like you. And you yourself would suck.

The end.