Hmmm...

Guess I need to work a few things out.

Well, to be honest, only one thing. It's been bugging me and giving me a moral hangover for so long now.

The question is, Is it RIGHT to carry over a hatred (one that is shared by almost everyone of that race) for another country/race/nationality (for ease of reference, Country A) that was manifested in you by the indoctrination of your guardians from a very young age, who themselves believe that this hatred is justified?

Okay, that sentence just got lost in a mire of grammatical FAIL, but never mind that.

What I've been thinking for all this time is that Yes, it is, in my case, because I feel that I was able to decide for myself when I was convinced. However, lately I've been shaken over my beliefs.

Yes:

- It is justified in my grandparents'/parents' generation because they were the ones who bore the brunt of the injustices inflicted upon them by Country A's actions. Their reasons make sense. They appeal to both logic and compassion. It is almost impossible not to condemn Country A for its actions. My own family has been affected by Country A's actions; it is natural for me to feel indignant for it.

(Pardon my wording. See, this is why I cannot do SS.)

- Country A has barely done anything to ameliorate the damage it has brought about, to my knowledge, which is of course very un-extensive and biased. (If proof is brought to my knowledge, I would change my mind.) It has not apologised for its actions, or even admitted its wrongs. Furthermore, it has tried to prevent its citizens, the younger generation, from knowing the truth by writing the entire event off. I cannot tolerate this; neither do my kin and my countrymen. It is understandable that Country A wishes to preserve its image, but when the sin it has committed far outweighs this consideration, the truth needs to be brought to light.

- Peer pressure, etc: the anti-A sentiment in my country is still strong, in both the older and the younger generations. It is hard to explain why so many people are so inflamed over this issue if not for the simple reason that A's deeds cannot be tolerated. I have been convinced.


No:

- It is illogical to still hold a grudge against the population of Country A for something their government has done in the past. The civilians bear little responsibility for the deeds of their authorities, whom they cannot control. If informed of the heinous deeds of their government and military, they would probably stop the happenings.

THIS IS THE POINT THAT HAS BEEN BUGGING ME.

> Rebuttal: I am mostly angry towards the government personnel; those in charge. In fact, I feel great sympathy for the civilians when they suffer needlessly as a result of their government's actions. But I do confess that I tend to use racist terms when referring to those from Country A, although only amongst my family, and that I harbour a strong dislike towards Country A as a whole. I feel like a hypocrite now, for using and enjoying what Country A has produced while I am in principle against them...

- Forgive and forget! It makes the world a better place, etc.

> Rebuttal: It's not so easy to forget such deeds. Especially with the perpetrators not admitting to the fact that what they COULD have done COULD be wrong; they view their deeds as righteous, even. Such a twisted nature cannot be forgiven.

- Some people from Country A are actually very nice. I know people who have grown up there (I think) or are partly descendants of Country A's people. It is making me reconsider my stand.


HOW?