Age of Intolerance

The Age of Extremism and Intolerance

So many wars are being fought over religion, yet each one teaches love and tolerance. So many lives are being cut down in the name of religion that I look around and wonder exactly what do my neighbors believe? The person I see all the time at the store….could they believe what these extremists believe? Will my children survive this “Age of Intolerance”?

It is my neighbors who I worry about most but I know these mindsets are worldwide. These displays were found on a side road in Mississippi-our home state. They covered almost an acre, and were menacing as you took in the entire scene. The dogs barking in the background did nothing to allay my fears. I quickly captured as many aspects of the area as I could-while keeping the car running-and raced away quickly when I was finished.

When I look back on those scary minutes, I realize how lucky I am to have only had those minutes when so many live their lives completely engulfed with this fear. I also have awakened to those around me. I hear now-more intolerance. I passed over the comments before, attributing them to lack of education or how someone might have been raised. I had also held that hope that even with differences, we could all get along somehow. I no longer believe this to be true.

The encounter changed how I view religion, and how someone’s religious views can affect my life, my family. I now have fear when my upbringing taught hope. Do my neighbors believe the messages within these signs? Yes, obviously some do, and for that, my fear of this “Age” will continue. While we cannot all believe the same thing…let us all agree…hopefully….for peace. Soon.