UGLY

I lacked courage to post this blog the other day, but it gnawed on me and wouldn't let me be, so here it is. Disclaimer: I apologize in advance to those I offend. Blame the imp sitting on my shoulder who made me do this.
     A few days ago I received an email portraying beautiful images of women of one political party and horrible pictures of women of another party--Gabrielle Giffords was not included. It saddened me, not just in light of what happened in Tucson, but because I too have forwarded such messages in the past.
     How do we reach the point of ugly references to people who oppose us politically? When we're in a grocery store, do we pick people we think might be of another party and give them the evil eye? Do we avoid friends and neighbors--and even loved ones--who might not agree with us? Does spouting "vitriolic rhetoric" (a phrase we've all become too accustomed to this last week) make it easier to like or work with our opponent? Does such speech engender trust and cooperation?
     I think most of us are beyond racial slurs, ethnic jokes and name calling, yet how many of us denounce others over beliefs or ideology opposite ours?
     Yes, I'm aware this attack may not have been politically motivated, but does that condone screaming insults in anger, perpetuating mistruths or exploiting opponents? There's been a great outcry for more civility in our country in the wake of the Tucson tragedy, yet we can't just look to political leaders. It must start with you and with me being aware of our actions, of the words we use and the message our intolerance conveys. Just as hate perpetuates hate, so can kindness perpetuate kindness. Closing the door to judgment, superiority and intolerance might just help us learn to like each other.
     So, starting today, I'm going to bite my tongue and smile when I'm tempted to yell "You Jerk," at the driver in the car that just cut me off. Who knows. It might be my next best friend who's just having a bad day.