Greetings!
Upon seeing this writing prompt discussing whether hatred should be considered a big thing or not, I wanted to come out straightforwardly and say that hatred is not a big deal. However, when my mind pictured the hatred in racism, I paused because, thinking deeply, hatred is far beyond what we casually imagine.
Actually, hatred itself is not a big deal, but what matters the most is its act—the act of hatred that drives people to kill. Hmmmm! This is why global sectors like the football world are trying as much as possible to shun the hatred fueling racism, making efforts to stop it by all means. They have seen how this act of hatred has destroyed and demoralized the individuals involved.
Should We Take Legal Action Against Hatred?
As humans, there are things we get angry at easily, while there are others we ignore, overlook, or only react to when they become excessive—when the victim can no longer bear it. Except for critical situations, some acts of hatred tend to be overlooked. Not all issues need to be stretched because, in reality, some may just be intended as a joke, either for fun or to chase clout.
A good example of this is the ongoing trend on social media where citizens call out their president for not acting right in a very hateful manner. This is very common in my country. Even now, the president of my nation is still being dragged every now and then, and people have even given him a nickname out of frustration. This has been going on for a while, and it is purely an act of hatred, but the president cannot do anything about it. He has to overlook it and let go because, even if he wanted to take legal action, where would he start? Lol, that would mean taking legal action against 70% of Nigerians. Even though this hatred may hurt him emotionally, he cannot just do anything about it.
However, when hatred moves beyond online bullying and becomes physical harm, that is when I know for sure he would not just keep quiet.
On the other hand, not everyone takes cyberbullying lightly, depending on the severity and the area it is coming from. Take the football world, for example—they frown upon both physical and online acts of hatred, especially in the form of racism. This is why, whenever a player is found guilty of such acts—whether offline or online—immediate legal action is taken against them.
How Far Can I Go Before Taking Action Against Hatred Towards Me?
Mere hatred is a natural feeling, and I will not be bothered if it is just that—someone hating me from afar or even cyberbullying me over an insignificant issue. However, once it goes out of hand and becomes physical, threatening my life, I will not hesitate to take legal action.
An example of the kind of hatred I cannot tolerate is when someone who hates me so much comes at me with a gun, targeting my life or that of my family, or when they come after my properties—such as in a case of robbery. No, I cannot just take that lightly. That is where I draw the line.
Not this only, the hatred that result to deep accusation is something I can't take too.
Thanks for reading.
This is my entry to the Week 151, Edition 03 of the Weekly Featured contest in Hive Learners Community