Our Attitude In the Age of Hatred

 

The Winter edition of Theological Perspective has three articles on a serious problem both in Korea and the world— How to deal with differences? Sadly often followed by hate, and disgust in society. We do have a response from the Pope in Fratelli Tutti. The authors were all Catholic professors in Catholic Universities.

Hate speech is a topic that is present in our society. Disgust based on gender, age, physical characteristics, economic conditions, etc...

This theme of disgust is related to individuality, dignity, and otherness and the problems that arise in accepting differences. It is not extending mercy to all and every behavior, but making a distinction between error and the person. The object of disgust should not be the person.

This is not to condone relativism, for love and mercy require there be valid principles and truths.

One of the writers sees the problems in Korea coming from three areas: the uncertainty and social vulnerability of our society; the structural makeup of our internet SNS; and the carnival-like environment in the new tribal era.

The social vulnerability of society came to a head in 1997. Korea accepted the thinking that if you worked hard you would do well, which was experienced with Korea's economic development in the 1960s. This all changed in 1997 with the takeover of the economy by the IMF— International Monetary Fund. The coronavirus pandemic also showed the weakness in society. All need to be prepared to be losers: accidents, disease, fired from their jobs, natural disasters, etc... 

The second influence is the internet and populism. Populism is a range of stances that emphasize the idea of "the people" and often juxtapose this group with "the elite". It is frequently associated with anti-establishment and anti-political sentiment. 

With the internet and handphones all seems easily accomplished: shopping, amusement, hobbies, leisure, finding a job, etc., we have all the information at our fingertips. The person-to-person way of dealing with others has changed. Rather than sincerity, we have authenticity we can see this as 'Individualism'.

In this virtual world, more important than rational argument, and truth— interest, narrative, and the possibility of anonymity are the values.

The third understanding is the tribalism and carnival aspects of society. When they face hostile others, interest in what is objective gives way to the subjective feelings of the tribe: tastes, rank, and what pleases them is what is right.

The talion principle is a legal concept that means "an eye for an eye" or "like for like". It is based on the idea of exact retribution or proportional punishment for a wrong 

Ekstasis is a philosophical term that means "outside of oneself" or "a removal to elsewhere". It is used to describe a state of being in which one transcends one's normal place and time and experiences a different mode of existence or consciousness.

To move from the talio principle to ekstasis means to shift from a rigid and narrow view of justice and reality, to a more flexible and expansive one. It means to go beyond the limits of one's self and one's situation, and to explore new possibilities and perspectives. 

Pope Francis reminds us of the teaching of the Church in his Encyclical letter Fratelli Tutti. He offers us a comprehensive reflection on the fundamental spirit, works for the common good, and the imitation of Christ in our daily lives.