Hope leaned into his seat, thoughtful. It hadn't been the first topic he wanted to broach, but it could be a good lead in eventually.
"In my experience, I find everyone has their reasons for what they do. Some lash out from lack of attention or guidance, others because they're genetically predispositioned to do so. Most people follow what they see or experience-- to them, growing up with violence instills the idea that violence is normal and acceptable.
"More still, are people acting on orders in order to not question atrocities. Some are hateful because hate is all they know. Then a chain is started as vengeance and hate begets itself. And there are only two sure ways to break that chain-- either something so terrible and horrendous happens that it shocks everyone into stopping because of a need to work together in order to survive... or an understanding of how this works develops. To not judge or condemn others is a good start. To try and understand where they come from, what they've experienced, and why they do the things they do; that's another step. And then there a chance to offer an alternative: other choices, second chances, or even just an act of kindness. Something they may never have experienced before. Just so they know it exists, and that it can happen to them."
no subject
"In my experience, I find everyone has their reasons for what they do. Some lash out from lack of attention or guidance, others because they're genetically predispositioned to do so. Most people follow what they see or experience-- to them, growing up with violence instills the idea that violence is normal and acceptable.
"More still, are people acting on orders in order to not question atrocities. Some are hateful because hate is all they know. Then a chain is started as vengeance and hate begets itself. And there are only two sure ways to break that chain-- either something so terrible and horrendous happens that it shocks everyone into stopping because of a need to work together in order to survive... or an understanding of how this works develops. To not judge or condemn others is a good start. To try and understand where they come from, what they've experienced, and why they do the things they do; that's another step. And then there a chance to offer an alternative: other choices, second chances, or even just an act of kindness. Something they may never have experienced before. Just so they know it exists, and that it can happen to them."