Organized Blind Hatred. Where Does It Lead Us?
Richard Magid reflects on rising hatred and selective outrage, and calls on people to build a more compassionate world by supporting young changemakers and having meaningful conversations.
By Richard Magid
I've been doing a lot of reflecting lately, particularly as we marked the third anniversary of the October 7th Hamas terrorist attacks.
I find myself increasingly troubled by what I am observing around the world. The ease with which hatred is embraced, the hypocrisy and selective outrage, and the inconsistency in who is held accountable for their words and actions. I am equally concerned about the role that media and social platforms play in shaping narratives that reinforce existing beliefs rather than encouraging people to question what they are being told.
At times, I find myself wondering whether we are witnessing echoes of the 1930s. It's not a comparison I make lightly, but history has taught us what can happen when prejudice becomes normalized, when hatred becomes organized, and when otherwise decent people choose to remain silent.
Where does this lead us? And perhaps more importantly, what are we prepared to do about it?
I've spent much of my life working with people, helping them challenge their assumptions, better understand themselves and others, and recognize the possibilities that exist when they approach the world with curiosity rather than judgment. That work has reinforced my belief that while we cannot always control the circumstances around us, we have far more influence over how we respond than we sometimes recognize.
I could spend my time expressing outrage at what I see. There are certainly enough reasons to do so. But I've come to believe that outrage, without a commitment to doing something constructive, accomplishes very little.
THE RESPONSE
My focus is on building.
I want to continue learning, asking questions, having meaningful conversations, and helping others see beyond the differences that so often divide us. I want to invest my time and resources in people who are committed to creating something positive, particularly young people who have the energy, courage, and determination to change the circumstances in their communities.
That belief was central to my decision to create the Soundboard Impact Foundation.
When we consider supporting a young changemaker, we don't begin by asking where they come from, what religion they practice, what they look like, or what political beliefs they hold. We want to understand who they are as human beings, what values guide their decisions, what they care deeply about, and what they are prepared to do to make a meaningful difference.
Through this work, I've had the privilege of meeting extraordinary young people from around the world.
Many are navigating circumstances that most of us can barely imagine, yet they are choosing to devote their energy to improving the lives of others. Their stories continually remind me that there is far more that connects us than separates us, if we're willing to look for it.
None of this means that we should ignore hatred, excuse violence, or abandon our convictions in the name of understanding. Quite the opposite. I believe we have a responsibility to speak out against injustice and prejudice, regardless of where it originates or whom it targets. But I also believe that we must resist the temptation to allow our convictions to become barriers to recognizing the humanity of others.
THE INVITATION
The world we choose to build
This past August, I had the opportunity to speak to hundreds of young changemakers at the AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva. I ended my remarks with a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that has stayed with me, and that feels particularly relevant today:
“We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”
— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
When I shared the quote, I added “and sisters,” because the responsibility belongs to all of us.
I believe those words deeply. And I worry about what happens if we fail to take them seriously. So rather than simply sharing my frustration with the world as it is, I want to extend an invitation to those who believe, as I do, that we have a responsibility to help shape the world as it could be.
Whether that means mentoring a young person, supporting a changemaker, connecting people who might otherwise never meet, or simply being willing to engage in a difficult conversation with someone whose perspective differs from your own, there are opportunities for each of us to contribute.
If the work we're doing through the Soundboard Impact Foundation resonates with you, I'd welcome the opportunity to share more and explore how you might become part of that journey.
We have a choice in the world we help create. I intend to keep building.
Reach out. Let's have a conversation.
soundboardimpactfoundation.org