Antidote for Hate in Society

"You Commie..." These words were addressed to a religious sister on her way to the convent after her work for the day was over. She writes about her experience and the thoughts that came to her in an article for the Kyeongyang magazine.

She wasn't able to make out the words at first; probably from  his timidity in putting a knife in her back but quickly noticing that she wasn't responding the words were repeated. She gave no notice to the man, most likely he saw the yellow ribbon (a symbol remembering the victims and families of the Sewol ferry disaster in which 304 died) on her handbag,  with which there is  much prejudice and violence associated. 

She blames the prejudiced mass media for attacking those who side with the weak of society with their  "false news" inciting violence.  Anti-communistic ideology and the belittling of women is a form of brain washing that continues to develop and get stronger.  

She was overcome with anger loathing and contempt but also sorrow for the man.  She wondered what would have happened if this encounter was at night, she was afraid to give it much thought. We all have different ways of dealing with the weak of society but  she reminds us that it's an indication of the kind of person we are.

Each Sunday in a certain area of Seoul we have the feminists meeting and shouting: "We will rid ourselves of our corsets." Corsets signifying the feminine beauty demanded by society. Women are tired of the modern corsets that society demands from women. Women go makeup free, wear glasses and cut their hair short.      

Sister is not concerned with what is happening for it is the response to the pent up feeling of many women.  Time and communicating is necessary. Men and women are not on the earth to loathe each other.

We don't know where the 'Me Too' movement is going. The dignity of humans and gender equality is what sister is waiting to see develop. Violence is not only seen between men and women but in out ordinary lives, where we only tolerate, easily oppress and exclude.

The church needs to get rid of the pyrimid structure that still exists. The clergy have to change the way they use their authority. Need for  transparency, listening and including all in the decision making for the community. Leaders are needed who are able to work together with the individual gifts of the members and the mission of the community as a whole.

We need a new understanding of the meaning of masculinity and femininity. She wants to go back to the beginning in the way God created us, to heal the breach. This is the way we can help to heal the darkness and violence we find in society with the  salt and light of the mission we have received.