I recently watched the movie, The Boy in the Stripped Pajamas, a 2008 movie based in the World War II era. It follows a German family who moves so the father can take his new post at a “farm” which is really an extinction camp.
The movie is complex and shows multiple sides of the issue from the innocent Jews forced to give up their livelihoods for hard labor to the wife of the German soldier trying to raise her children in the midst of a dark period in history. What captivated me is the young son who, out of boredom, explores beyond the fence of the compound, which he now calls home. He truly believes the Jews are working a farm, and meets a young boy at the fence. Over time, they become friends.
This young boy does not know he is supposed to despise and hate this other boy simply because he is a different, and it reminds us that hate is taught. We are not born to hate; we are born to love. I’ll let you watch the movie for the rest of the story. It’s profound and heartbreaking.
My question is: what are we teaching our children today? We are censoring half of the population because they have different opinions. When conservative social media platforms are removed, we should ALL be concerned. We are boycotting and threatening businesses because they supported President Trump. Who and what will be next? We are one step away from another horrific event in our history, and we don’t even know it.
This quote from the Holocaust Museum in New York City unnerved me years ago, and now it terrifies me:
First, they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
Our government and the politicians we elect are there to serve the people, not enslave them or control them with fear. If you do not see the agenda, propaganda and push for ultimate power, then I urge you to read Holocaust books like We were the Lucky Ones or The Tattooist of Auschwitz. It starts with division and hate. Certain sects of the population are deemed evil and should be destroyed at any cost. Fear of retaliation on both sides resides. No one speaks out. When we can celebrate destroying one man’s life because of hate, then we are sliding down the slippery slope. When some voices are silenced, we are at great risk of all voices being silenced.
Again, I ask, what are we teaching our children? They were not born to hate, but they are learning to hate based upon someone’s beliefs, convictions and political party. I urge parents to not fall prey to the hate. We are one people, one nation under God. We need to get back to a time when we could have opposite opinions yet still love one another.
How can we be a part of the solution and not the problem? Limit social media and television time. If you hear a message enough times, you will believe it, regardless of its merit. Do more positive things like volunteering to help others. Be involved in the lives of those you love. When we increase our emotional intelligence, we have a shot at being rational, kind and balanced. Low emotional intelligence gets you on the crazy train of hatred. Teach your children discernment – not to believe everything they see and hear but to know and honor what is right. Use the filter: would I like to be treated this way? Get yourself and your family rooted in God’s truth, and pray, “Lord help us.”
Looking to improve your own EQ? I can help with an insightful assessment and years of experience coaching people to be better versions of themselves. Give me a call today, and we’ll get started on you being a part of the solution.
Anxious and a bit stressed out over the circumstances right now? Take a deep breath and get a copy of my book, A Healthier, Happier You with 101 ways for you to manage your stress in a better way.
Leave a Reply