Whatever happened to good old fashioned kindness?

It’s funny how the universe blogosphere works. Today as I was driving home from work I had heavy heart thinking about the ever-increasing intolerance in our society. I have recently been hearing comments and opinions on various forms of religion and race and culture, that quite honestly make me want to punch someone in the throat (and I am not violent by nature). I could list a few of my least favourite comments word for word, which is scary. That's proof that I am hearing comments with a similar underlying ignorance about the same subjects over and over again. Scary.

Part of me was wanting to share my despair at the ever-increasing comments and opinions which I personally think reek of ignorance and intolerance, on my blog. The other part of me was thinking, “Didn’t I start my blog to share all things beautiful?”. Then I get online to see Maxabella loves’ post about over-styled blogs, asking bloggers to ‘let it all hang out’. How’s that for a sign! So here I am, letting it all hang out, sharing my heavy-heartedness with my 8 followers and hopefully a few more readers.

When I was a kid I had friends from all racial backgrounds and believers of all religions, still do. I remember, as a kid, not thinking anyone was any different to me, no matter how they looked or what their beliefs were. Still don't. And yet now as an adult I am hearing opinions that quite honestly baffle me. How did we, as a society, become so intolerant of our neighbour? Whatever happened to good old fashioned kindness? Tolerance? Acceptance?

I was discussing this very thing with a friend of mine who shares a similar perspective as I do on this subject. She said she feels it is an injustice to let people continue to think in an ignorant manner and feels she should educate them on the truth, the facts. She does however know she cannot do much to change their outlook therefore she is learning to 'let it go'. I could not have said it better myself. It is an injustice, and I just thank my little woolly socks I was born and raised to display tolerance and kindness and acceptance. Thank you Mum.

I have always been the one on the sidelines cheering for the underdog. I like people that are different. I respect all choices of religion and belief. I have no fear of the unknown when it comes to culture and if I want to know I will ask. Otherwise I will remain open-minded to all and accept those that are different to me. And as for the comments I find disturbing, I will learn to let it go.