It’s a phrase that was used so often it’s the subject of mockery, but for all the cliché factor of ‘Why can’t we all just get along?’ — it is still a valid question.
Considering the centuries over which cultures around the world have been developing, you might think the human race would have reached a level of maturity where we reacted to differences with interest rather than fear.
Technology, especially the Internet, has made it possible to communicate with people on the other side of the world as easily as chatting over your back fence, or explore another culture by connecting with people who live it everyday.
Unfortunately, besides being used to share cat videos, this incredible technology is being used to spread intolerance and hatred. And that goes for all points of the political spectrum; it’s just as easy to find a radical left-winger spouting nonsense as it is a reactionary right-winger.
Instead of embracing diversity and alternate viewpoints, people are building filter bubbles that only passes information that match their own preconceptions. As a direct consequence — and the amazement of stunned liberals everywhere — Donald Trump was elected in the U.S., despite his lies and a right-wing stance that even other Republicans have problems with.
It probably wasn’t a coincidence that Alexandre Bissonnette opened fire in a Quebec mosque just two days after Trump signed his immigration ban into law. According to investigators, Bissonnette is a fan of Trump and other extreme right leaders.
Quebec City might seem like it’s a long ways away, but the terrible shooting that left six people dead during evening prayers Sunday comes far too close to home, no matter where you live in the world.
We all live in one world, folks. It’s time for everyone to grow up and give other human beings we share this world with the respect they deserve, no matter what their skin colour, culture or other differences.