Hatred, injustice need to be addressed

Judaism teaches that every person has been created in God's image and that the most important commandment is the saving of a life. Many faith traditions and philosophical perspectives teach similar values.

How is it possible to injure or kill someone for any reason other than you are in a true, real and substantiated life-threatening situation? How is it possible to decide someone is guilty of anything not on confirmed facts but on the color of his/her skin (or, for that matter, any immutable characteristic)? How is it possible to see two individuals who have engaged in the same criminal behavior and give a harsher sentence to the one who has darker skin?

It is possible because of systematic racism. And it is possible because individuals choose to believe some human lives have less value than others. And because of ignorance. And because of xenophobia. It is possible because it is something people choose.

Hatred and injustice should never be responded to with more hatred and injustice. Hatred and injustice should never be responded to with silence. They must be responded to by good people standing up and speaking out — appropriately — about hatred and injustice.

Don't be willing to listen to “jokes” with hurtful punchlines. Let people know you don't agree with hateful comments and respectfully ask them not to say them in front of you. Have the values and courage to walk away from conversations that include hateful words toward anyone.

Roberta S. Clark, Oklahoma City