The Tapestry of Existence

Jul 29 , 2023
By Eden Sahle

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I attended a grand wedding with my husband Mike over the weekend. Due to the sheer number of guests, we only caught a glimpse of the elated couple through a huge numerous screen that was set up at the venue.

The smooth proceeding ceremony was disrupted by a feud between the wealthy families of the bride and groom that erupted over their difference in caste.

It was disconcerting to witness how people could belittle and alienate one another at one of life's happiest events.

The wedding that intended to unite the two families despite the backgrounds actually highlighted their noticeable differences, creating a tense atmosphere. They appeared resentful and lacked smiles, despite having invested millions in the event.

The couple's family publicly underscored their division in every emotion they could bestow. Their actions had become the grand scheme of the lavish wedding.

The situation hits close to home.

Such narrow-minded beliefs are not isolated as evidenced by my similarly frustrating experience when part of the family opposed my marriage because my husband was not from a similar background.

Despite the strong support from my father and siblings, my mother declined to partake in the ceremony where elders came to our home to ask for my hand in marriage. She eventually attended the wedding after the unexpected passing of my beloved father four months prior to the big day.

Responding with tenderness and forgiveness in the face of senseless adversity while showcasing maturity in such situations will be a great lesson I took from the situation.

I was inspired by my husband and his family for graciously and peacefully handling the difficult situation. Rather than getting upset, my husband steered me to forgive my family completely. He became the wise one, treating her with respect and encouraging me to take the higher road by visiting her.

These accounts highlight the parochial beliefs in society, with negative consequences for both marriages.

Having a condescending attitude towards others lacks fundamental life merit. It stems from a distorted perspective that is far from being fulfilling and meaningful. Those who cling to a tribal mindset and create divisions lose sight of the essential things in life.

They miss out on the pleasures of living in harmony and peace with others and struggle with accepting diversity, denying the fact that humanity is one despite different backgrounds.

The lives of many individuals demonstrate that division can breed hatred not only in societies but also in families. Hatred towards others is often rooted in fear and ignorance. When we are afraid of the unfathomable, it is easy to develop negative stereotypes about a group.

Harbouring hatred can create long-lasting conflicts among families, societies, and political leaders. Hate is a temporary emotion, just like any other, and should not be a permanent state.

I believe that the best way to overcome hatred is through education and understanding. When we learn about diversity, we can begin to see that people from different backgrounds are more alike than they are different.

We can learn to appreciate the unique contributions that each group of people makes to society.

Many individuals belonging to different castes tend to portray themselves as victims of various circumstances, thus avoiding accountability for their irrational perspectives. They shield themselves from the reality that every human being is equal, regardless of any manipulative societal norms that may suggest otherwise.

In order to make progress, an acknowledgement that all individuals are created equal, regardless of their diverse backgrounds must be asserted, as a negative outlook, whether mild or extreme, begins in the mind.

Psychologists suggest that most problems arise from this tendency to focus on the past. The mind tends to travel through time and often dwells in the past, reliving moments of regret or sadness. This leads to the generalisation and assumption that everyone from a similar background is the same. It is important to give people the benefit of the doubt and get to know them as individuals.

Regardless of personal preferences, it is important to acknowledge that people learn to be respectful and create a harmonious societal experience.

Situations may not change, but our reactions should have to make a world of difference. Every bit of our action contributes to our personal narrative and our unique masterpiece way of life.

When society releases frantic obsession with simply being in a romantic relationship, they can envision a world where communities are united in peace.

Embracing our inherent nature reminds us that we are all equal. Even those who hold hatred towards others may come to their senses and acknowledge they are no better than anyone else.

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PUBLISHED ON Jul 29,2023 [ VOL 24 , NO 1213]

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