"ARE BABIES BORN WITH THE ABILITY TO HATE?"
When a baby is born, do you believe they come into this world knowing how to "hate," or is "hate," something they learn from the environment they are raised in? Does it really come back to the theory of "nature vs nurture?" My personal opinion is that it is actually both.
Firstly, we must distinguish between "hate, dislike, and temperament." Both dislike and temperament, are innate dispositions that will affect a baby's behavior and how they interact with their environment. including other people. "Hate," is learned through a baby's experiences. One baby may like apricots while another "dislikes" them. That is not considered "hate," it's disliking differences.
I believe that all babies are born with the capacity to "hate," but it seriously depends upon "all" the influences they experience that dictate who, what, why, and where, they hate and to what extremes they "hate." You could even say that "hate" can be a cultural thing.
From the time we are born, we are conditioned to " hate," through media and other outlets, without questioning "why" we are supposed to feel that way based upon one person's, organization's, or societies, ego-driven, opinion. A good example of this is how we are constantly told that other countries like China, Russia, and others, are our enemies and we are supposed to "hate" them. I'm sure that people from those countries are told the same thing about us.
When you think about it. it's really kind of sad considering that all together, with the incredible knowledge, each has to contribute to the enrichment and enlightenment, of the world, this whole planet could be a much different, better, place. However, because "hate" is used as a weapon to control, manipulate, and lie to us, most people are blind to the truth of how they are being used as "sheeple," to promote this form of "hate."
As parents, it is our job to teach our children about tolerance, compassion, respect and empathy . . . not "hate!" One of my biggest pet peeves is bratty children. I don't "hate" them, I "dislike" their behavior and the fact that their parents do not discipline them or try to correct their bad behavior. As a parent, I get it, there are times when you have those moments when children will try and test theirs and your limits. Bratty children are more likely to be influenced by "hateful" rhetoric and also more likely to verbally tell someone they "hate" them, especially, if they either disagree with them or can't get their own way. This is where "hate," becomes a learned experience.
What do you think my friends? Nature? Nurture? Both? Something else?
Peace Out Y'all
Namaste!
Jim
Please don't forget to sign up for my monthly newsletter while you're here and please share my website with all your friends and family.
Sign Up For My Monthly News Letter