As tensions in the Middle East once again escalate, people feel forced to take a stance. A quick brush through the comment section of unrelated Instagram posts, and you will find them littered with messages supporting Palestine/Israel. Several have spoken up, offering stories, condolences and solutions. However, what was most alarming were the comments dissecting the religious nature of the issue.
To elucidate, the agitation in the Middle East is not religious. Though there are undercurrents of religion, the crux of the issue revolves around nationalistic sentiments. It is shocking to see people talk about how bewildering it is that the Jewish community – a community that has faced much oppression – has forgotten their past and turned into oppressors.
Now, it is human nature to generalise. Categorising makes it easier for our brains to comprehend and predict responses. However, making conclusions about a loose group of people is dangerous. Having been tyrannised before doesn't automatically make all Jewish people peaceful. In the same breath, the injustices carried out by the Israeli government in the name of Zionism doesn't automatically make all Jewish people fascists.
This inherent grouping of people is the root of most discriminatory ideas. We've seen it at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prominent figures encouraged boycotting Asians simply because the pandemic first began in China.
Or take Islam, for example. A religion that promotes peace is now the poster child for terrorism, an entire community blamed for the actions of a few extremists.
Or look at Republicans. An otherwise reasonable political party is mocked across the globe, the lunacy of a few dragging down the whole party. Ludicrous, isn't it?
As humans, it is standard to judge. So if you've just realised you harbour prejudiced ideas, it's all right. We've been conditioned to believe this way. Recognising that and making an effort to break such thought cycles will help make you more humane. When reading about the Middle East crisis, remind yourself that both sides of the barracks have human beings.