Dichotomy
Mixed Media on Gallery Wrap Canvas
Almost daily, we bear witness to graphic violence and despicable acts via technology and the media. War and murder are rampant. We’ve become afraid to travel, speak to strangers, to listen to ideas different from our own. Though the prevalence of these fears seems modern, the root of them is ancient. Fear of the “other” is as old as humankind.
It is ironic that a basic premise of every spiritual philosophy and religion is to love each other, yet for thousands of years, humans have found empathy so elusive. Righteousness becomes an excuse for prejudice and hatred. Those who are different must be shunned or destroyed.
So how do we free ourselves from fear of the “other”? Philosopher Eckhart Tolle says “Love is the recognition of yourself in the other; the recognition of oneness”. History has proven that great accomplishments can come from dark times. It is the spirit of inclusiveness that will strengthen society and bring us together. It is with acceptance and kindness that we will survive as a species.
Almost daily, we bear witness to graphic violence and despicable acts via technology and the media. War and murder are rampant. We’ve become afraid to travel, speak to strangers, to listen to ideas different from our own. Though the prevalence of these fears seems modern, the root of them is ancient. Fear of the “other” is as old as humankind.
It is ironic that a basic premise of every spiritual philosophy and religion is to love each other, yet for thousands of years, humans have found empathy so elusive. Righteousness becomes an excuse for prejudice and hatred. Those who are different must be shunned or destroyed.
So how do we free ourselves from fear of the “other”? Philosopher Eckhart Tolle says “Love is the recognition of yourself in the other; the recognition of oneness”. History has proven that great accomplishments can come from dark times. It is the spirit of inclusiveness that will strengthen society and bring us together. It is with acceptance and kindness that we will survive as a species.