In case you missed it, yesterday was Holocaust Memorial Day.
The Holocaust is central to Holocaust Memorial Day, and we remember that six million Jews were murdered during that time.
We also commemorate the millions more people murdered through the Nazi persecution of other groups, e.g., disabled, LGBTQ, disabled of all kinds, and Roma people, and in the more recent genocides recognised by the UK government, and the genocide in Darfur.
Holocaust Memorial Day is a time when we look to learn the lessons of the past and recognise that genocide does not just take place on its own. It’s a steady process which can begin if discrimination, racism, and hatred are not checked and prevented.
Discrimination has not ended, nor has the use of the language of hatred or exclusion.
Far from it!
We can all point a finger at the perpetrators of discrimination and hatred, AND it wouldn’t be me if I didn’t mention the patriarchy, misogynism and sexism, too.
Well, it wouldn’t be me, would it?
However, when you point a finger, remember there are three pointing right back at you…
No, I’m not saying you’re a Nazi.
What I am saying is we’re all capable of prejudice and discrimination.
In my late 20s and early 30s, I was an intellectual snob, seeing people not as bright as me as far less than me. I couldn’t be arsed to speak with them or even pass the time of day.
That’s prejudice and discrimination.
You might say, well, my intellectual snobbishness wasn’t going to create concentration camps and genocide.
You’d think not, but that’s how they start.
They begin with a small thing and progress steadily over time, creating consensus on bigger and bigger things until you’ve totally demonised the targets of your prejudice and discrimination.
I’m not suggesting you don a hair shirt and whiplash your back with strident mea culpa agonising. However, if you discriminate against certain people or things, I’d encourage you to reflect…
Turn your finger to point to yourself and recognise how you do that.
And…
What of yourself that you don’t like do you see in them?
With love and wild warm wishes…
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