Letters to a Non-existant Editor #2-Hatred

Deep down all outward displays of hatred are political. Hate is used to influence in the worst possible ways. It is used to intimidate and frighten and in many instances it is done so anonymously. As such, hatred is completely pointless. Making a point by doing something quickly, walking away from it, and not giving any concrete reasoning whatsoever other that by just being a plain old asshole is pretty counterproductive.

I should also say that I dislike politics immensely, but that is a blog for another day and time

Recently at the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus a bulletin board outside the LGBTQ lounge had the protective glass carefully removed from around it just so someone or some people could set fire to the posters housed inside. This incident came after posters previously placed in the area had been continuously torn down and put back up.

Thankfully no one was hurt in the incident except for some paper and cork, but what has been done is beyond inexcusable. The very symbolism of these actions is tantamount to being a hate crime and should be treated as such.

I tried very hard to put into words how much this incident troubles me. I tried for several hours staring at a blank piece of paper, knowing that I wanted to say something, but that I haven’t really been exposed to an act of such heartlessness towards and entire group of people, especially when people in that group I happen to call friends.

All I really have to say is that no one should have to live in fear because of who they are and no matter what the environment they should feel safe. Whoever thought starting a fire to further their hateful desires to make a bigoted point would work thought wrong.

If there is one thing that I have learned in my time in Toronto is that deep down the city is good and is reflected by many of the people within it. This good is being reflected tomorrow when students are planning on staging a “love in” around the lunch hour tomorrow. Students are encouraged to bring a friend to hug, kiss, hold hands with, or any other of the numerous ways to show affection to show not only a complete lack of fear, but to show that love is something that will never succumb to hate.