Attacking The Different

It seems like it's a part of human nature, that need to attack those that are different. We've all read about it in history books (the Holocaust, slavery, Civil Rights, suffrage movement, etc), and we've all seen it first hand...especially in school as children. People seem to instinctively close ranks, and attack the ones that are the slightest bit different. But why do we do that? What makes us lose sight of our compassion and heart, and torture those that simply aren't the same?

I think part of it is fear. The human race tends to be afraid of the unknown. We prefer to believe that because someone is different, that they are a threat. When people are scared, even subconsciously, we do one of two things...we run like hell, or we fight. We lash out at those that don't fit into our boxes, making them miserable until they give up and leave, or lose their individuality and join us.

I think in school children and teenagers, it stems from low self-esteem than fear. Why else would someone want to belittle another? I think it's because something is missing in that person, and the only way they gain satisfaction in themselves is to believe they are better than at least one other person.

For some, it's because they're simply mean. Not mean in the kick a dog, ignore tears type way, but as in a piece of their very soul is just mean and ugly, and enjoys inflicting pain on others. Perhaps this goes back to the need for power, the need to piss on the fire hydrant and mark their territory. Some people are just born like that, finding pleasure in causing others misery.

I don't think there's any one reason we persecute the different, but several reasons that are spread out among people. Not everyone's motives are the same, even if their actions and results are. In V for Vendetta, I think the people that got it the worst from the government were the ones that were capable of rocking the boat. They didn't want to have people that spoke their mind, and questioned authority, and fought for what they believed in. That went against the government's plan, and made those people a threat that had to be either beaten into submission, or disposed of forever.

All it takes, though, is one person to stand up against these people. Even if that one person does not succeed, even if they are silenced forever, their message will still have been heard, the torch passed. I truly believe that one person can change the world...whether it's the world in general, or another's reality. Take notice of those that attack the different, and stand up for them when they cannot. It's the only way this ridiculous habit of attacking people that don't fit the mold will ever stop.