We live in a world that is divided along many fundamental lines. We live in a world in which people of different ethnicities, sexes, religions, beliefs, classes, and a variety of other factors, are alienated from one another. We are led to believe that both subtle and profound differences amongst humanity are often reasons to grown detached from those around us. As a result, we become fearful towards that which is separate from us- afraid

of what we do not know and do not attempt to understand. For many of us this is what we have become accustomed to. We feel comfortable within the confinements of our own basic similarities. We develop a sense of security associating with those who are the same as us. To understand someone who is seemingly so different than ourselves often appears to be an insurmountable feat. Such a decision would require a conscious effort to remove oneself from that which he/she has been cultured to understand and accept. This would in essence require a person to step outside his or her own fabricated comfort zone.

Although change is realistically a gradual occurrence, it should be applauded and adamantly supported-not feared and rejected. The change that must occur within communities across the world is the abolishment of discrimination and prejudicial views based on that which makes the human race a beautiful creation-our differences. We live in a world in which our differences are often perceived as a volatile and threatening presence. Consequently, there are frequent displays of violence and murder throughout the world in unsuccessful attempts to eliminate any reminder of such distinctions amongst humanity. Time and time again the root cause of such violence is simply retaliation towards that which we do not understand. People resort to their acclimatized mentality: fear the unknown; the unknown can hurt you; rid yourself of anything that can potentially harm you now or in the future; use whatever means necessary to protect yourself.

Unfortunately, it many areas of the world people have to rely on their own means for survival. They do not have the luxury of a government that is present to serve and protect the people. They do not live a life of peace and security that has been created for them by previous generations. Thus, at a very young age children are taught that their future is dependent upon their own abilities to protect themselves from external harm. In many communities throughout the world the brainwashing and deception of innocent, impressionable children begins as soon as they are capable of mental comprehension.

They are taught to profess belief in, without dissonance, the teachings of whatever authority faction is present. Children cannot, nor should not, be expected to recognize the fundamental flaws and overwhelming corruption of a large portion of the authority they are led to revere. Children are more often than not incapable of resisting such blatant psychological manipulation by those they are taught to respect, admire, and follow. Any presence of objection or perceived dissidence is immediately stifled.

Therefore, it is often instinctual for people to perceive that which is different from them as both intimidating and threatening. They in turn shelter themselves from a world that appears foreign and inhabitable to them. They surround themselves with similar entities. They shun outside factions. They become familiarized to one type of existence only: that which they have been cultured to understand and accept. They grow to hate people based on differences because differences can pose a threat to the future of their very existence. They rebel. They murder- all in an attempt to remain safe; all in an attempt to keep on living; all in an attempt to uphold that which they have been taught to believe.