Published: September 12, 2006 12:04 pm            

Many reasons to participate in Stop the Hate walk

Why participate in Clinton’s Stop the Hate Walk?

The answer to that question seems so obvious. All one needs to do is check out cnn.com, the local newspaper or a news channel on TV or radio to witness the consequences of hatred. The human, emotional, environmental, structural and financial tolls are horrific!

Hatred is an extreme emotion. Most people can agree that the world needs less hatred. But how about those less intense emotions people experience before arriving at the end of the love/hate spectrum — those emotions that, if left unchecked, can quickly and easily evolve into hate? What should one do with uncertainty, confusion, frustration, jealously and anger?

The answer lies, in part, in understanding the source of those emotions. What is the cause of the anger, the frustration, the jealousy? In many situations, ignorance or misunderstanding is the cause.

This can be remedied or at least confronted by questioning. Through study, reflection and conversation, many new discoveries can be made, many misunderstandings cleared up and new conclusions drawn. Frustration can be reduced. Confusion can be lessened. With new understandings discovered, life may be enriched.

Clinton Community College offers many opportunities to begin the questioning process. We have offered several specific workshops dealing with diversity, difference and tolerance, plus continually offering classes that study cultures, lifestyle, history and language.

Best of all, CCC offers English as a Second Language classes, which bring people from many countries and cultures together. While working together to learn English, people have the opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from each other. Misinformation can be corrected, stereotypes can be eliminated and new discoveries made.

These transformations demand willingness to change and an openness to differences. Clinton’s Stop the Hate Walk is a public demonstration of the community’s willingness to question our previously held assumptions, acknowledge differences and celebrate new understandings.

Join others who are willing to question and participate in the Stop the Hate Walk on Sept. 21.

Brenda Kunau is a basic education facilitator and English as a Second Language instructor at Clinton Community College.

        

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