Fighting Hatred by Grace

Fighting Hatred by Grace - August 2017 Scholarship Essay

It’s nearly impossible to sit through 10 minutes of watching the news without hearing about a hate fueled rally. Why are organizations such as Westboro Baptist Church and the KKK rallies so common to see in the media? Unfortunately this is rooted in the problem of people taking advantage of the first amendment. There are preventative strategies such as non violent counter protests, but people do not really know how to do this.
As a college professor, the only way I can ensure a future with little to no hatred is to educate and cultivate the mindset of young adults about the steps to fighting hatred through nonviolent protests and the power of love. By utilizing positive guidance and education, young adults will be able to establish their own morals and values. I would implement a program within my course, which is completely feasible, where recently converted KKK or nazi members share their experiences about how morally draining it is to hate 24/7. By creating an environment where the moment you walk through the door, there is no judgement and you are free to speak your mind, would create an environment full of communication and trust. By reading history for example "A Letter from Birmingham Jail" by Martin Luther King Jr. would help educate the youth about his four steps of a non violent protest. My class would prevent our youth from getting hurt and killed from participating in these counter protests.
I, as a college professor, would have the utmost responsibility to ensure an optimal future with no hatred for generations to come. By educating and guiding children who will become the leaders of this nation, will essentially rip the roots of ignorant and blind hatred speech to the point where counter protests are not needed.