Friday the 13th. Superstitions abound from not breaking mirrors, spilling salt, avoid walking by black cats, and more. Some people are so paralyzed by fear that they avoid any normal routine with engaging in business, taking airline flights, even just getting out of bed. This year, hatred is at the forefront and goes beyond references to the mythical Norse lore and from the biblical Last Supper.

This 13th of October, 2023, we are embedded as sickened onlookers to one more horrific event with part of our world now at war. The combative opinions of those professing different ideologies have designated a Day of Anger, gathering in countries and cities worldwide. The hatred being spewed by these factions does not stop, even for a moment, to share grief for those so brutally cut down by political and religious warfare, not even for the tiniest of victims who have suffered unimaginable ends to their precious lives. Regardless of chosen political or religious choices, how can anyone minimize, even ignore, such unspeakable human carnage?

When did hate become a predominant factor in life or do we personally pass off our “dislike” for people and events as a personal choice, maintaining our right to feel and say as we do? The majority of humans on this planet have moved beyond ancient dogmas based on genocide and destruction but, sadly, in certain geographical areas of our world, it’s inbred, within given populations, highly encouraged and taught, almost as a means of survival with a goal of achieving conquest over others.

We are, none of us, without fault or prejudice and it is impossible to comprehend deep-rooted animosities towards who and what we seek to control but cannot. Thus enters hate and all associated actions enmeshed in quests to obliterate portions of humanity. The ancient wars and beliefs from pages of history continue to be re-written and re-lived in a permanent chapter called “Hate”.