For some time I have found myself quite frankly disgusted with the society in which we live. In fact, I think you can disregard that statement; I have been disgusted by the entirety of our species. Not that I hadn't always been, I suppose, but lately I have felt thus quite a deal more than I am accustomed to. I have become inextricably aware of how horrible we as human beings treat each other. And in this case it is not my intent to draw attention to the obvious atrocities to which we are all aware: genocide in Africa and brutality in the Middle-East. No, I speak of the way we treat each other on a more communal level, the way we treat "thy neighbour".
On a near daily basis I can find several examples of somebody, even those whom we may consider decent people by to-day's standard, treating their peers, family, or complete strangers in a manner that is reprehensible; their intent to wound others on an emotional level evident. Decent words cannot describe the disdain I have for people of this nature. The unfortunate consequence of which being the fact that, as such a large number of people act in this manner regularly, I have little desire to make their acquaintance let alone foster friendship with them.
It would be unreasonable, I think, to suggest that each and every person who has at some time or another found themselves moved out of hurt or anger to wound a stranger, a friend, a family member, or a lover with unkind words is deserving of society's abhorrence; we are all guilty of those moments. It is, however, I think, not unreasonable to say that those who actively seek on a regular basis, or even on an irregular basis, to wound and belittle those around them for no discernible reason other than perhaps their own pathetic need to feel superior to those around them, are the most indecent of people among us save the absolute worst of us for which our justice systems have the harshest penalties.
Having been a witness to this on so many occasions, one begins to ask himself "Why? Why do so many seem to have such a need to belittle and hurt so many of the people around them?" and I think, after careful thought, I have come to a personal conclusion as good as any. Empathy; a widespread lack of empathy. This emotion above all others is meant to guide us to treat others as we would have them treat ourselves, with civility and compassion, and yet, I find it lacking in great number of those I encounter. Empathy, it seems, is in short supply. Is it any wonder our society is so full of so many vile, indecent, mean spirited individuals?
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