As we go through each stage of life, we are programmed and reprogrammed in new ways, through education, through social media, through media.
At what point should we let these beliefs supersede our morals?
Another thought, how should we suspend our reactions in the face of incomplete information?
We are programmed to respond and react in ways that are congruent with our beliefs and values. But if the facts that we are responding to are not true, what does that make us?
I'm not one to normally comment on particular events or controversies, and I won't be starting now. But discourse is becoming much more charged, opinion grounding is becoming much more partisan. People are divided and not united - not just anecdotal but visible in political polls.
The marginalisation of people within certain groups - and the counter reaction - has seen a sharp drop in social cohesion, frustration. Yet, why is this happening?
People have been told lately, that membership of particular groups warrants boycott. Yet, what does that mean? Disconnection, rather than engagement. The chance to communicate and be understanding of each other is erased.
The starting point needs to be compassion and empathy, if we are to weather the storm together. Our reactions do not need to come from hate or counter attack, but a pure understanding that people are mistaken. Their hate and untruths do not have to become anyone's truth.
Why did Jesus tell us to turn the other cheek?