The Sins Of Our Fathers
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Am I my brother's keeper? I'm not. If I don't even have to be my brother's keeper, why should I have to live in a constant state of guilt for my forefathers' sins? Biblically, the sins of the fathers are supposed to pass down to the third and fourth generation. Look around the world today and you'll find that the shadow cast by past sins or perceived sins is much, much longer than that.
In almost every country, there are people who bear a historical grouse - about oppression, suppression, cruelty against their forefathers. Through generations, this ferments inside till suddenly there's a venting and all hell breaks loose. Just one little seemingly innocuous incident is enough to be the flashpoint for a blaze of emotions that can very well end in carnage.
The trouble is, there seem to be no answers in sight and maybe the time has come for both sides to sit down and let it go. It's hard to let go of a cross your forbears bore which has been handed down with the unspoken urge to carry it on. It's hard to let go of anger that very often you were born with. It's hard to root out a crutch that makes you feel that all your present problems are due to something that happened generations, maybe even centuries ago.
I read a hub the other day and it touched me because it reflected the angst and pain of a group of people. We have a similar situation in our country - only it isn't colour but caste that is the issue. I asked myself if I really wanted to apologize for what my ancestors did and the answer is NO. Or rather, the answer would be No if I were expected to. I might do it if I were moved to but I know that the compassion that maybe I should feel would vanish in a trice if I were MADE to apologise.
Because I wasn't there. And the person who feels the pain passed down wasn't there either.
So what is the solution? If there is a solution. Will this impasse just get worse? It will when there are tremors in other areas. The prospect of depression, the prospect of jobs being lost, the prospect of prices rising. In times of trouble, it isn't Mother Mary who comes to you but the spectres of times gone by, raising their ugly heads. It rarely happens in times of plenty. It almost never happens when a country is threatened from outside - an outside enemy usually makes everyone come together. It happens, like I said, in troubled times within.
The solution as I see it has to be at the grassroots or the community level. If one were to look at our politicians to fulfil this role, you couldn't be farther from a viable solution. Politicians tend to divide and rule - that's the way they stay in power. The only way to get people to sit together is to educate and to spread awareness. Here's where local leaders will have to rise up for the common good.
The ideal way to get there would be a 3-point programme.
- Acknowledge
- Accept
- Address
One has to acknowledge that there were inequalities and acts of oppression and cruelty. One has to then see how that has affected the present. Once you accept it as being the cause of certain effects that are detrimental to the functioning of society and maybe even a country, it is easier to see things objectively. The next step is how to address these ills practically, logically, rationally and unemotionally.
When you don't HAVE to feel sorry, you'll find the barriers breaking down and the possibility of bridges being built. You'll find the walls of political correctness crumbling and a sense of humour coming to the fore. In the old days - well actually not so long ago - comedy meant catharsis. We saw ourselves on stage or onscreen and we laughed. Today, we see any kind of humour against ourselves as personal and we're quick to take offence. All it does is make the chasms between groups even wider. Laughing at ourselves and at others is the only way to bridge the gap. If only we learned to laugh at ourselves, we will stop feeling so sat upon and spat upon.
It has to be a concerted affair - everywhere, at all levels. The American forthcoming elections have highlighted the latent racial tension but it's always been around - the lurking danger beneath. As it is all over the world in different forms. South Africa, India, the UK, Sri Lanka. It's the same story whether it's played out by the factions of different creeds, races, colour, caste or class. In most cases, the flames of hatred are kept alive to keep certain people in power. We need to get over this without any political interference. In the age of the Internet when a whole mass of humanity has been powered with connectivity at the click of a mouse and there's a wave of globalisation sweeping over the world, it's time we shook off the politics of prejudice, the acid of internalized hatred, the shackles of the past and the fear of the different. It's a long haul but we can do it if we try and who knows - Lennon's legendary song might well come to pass. Imagine all the people sharing all the world........
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“Then let us pray that come it may, (As come it will for a' that,) That Sense and Worth, o'er a' the earth, Shall bear the gree, an' a' that.”
Hope springs eternal!
Thank you Paraglider - that's one of my absolutely favourite poets!
You may have heard about Sorry Day in Australia, where the Government finally made an apology to the indigenous people of Australia for past wrongs. Many Governments would not make the step because they were sins of the father, and no one wanted to take responsibility for it. Responsiblity being one of the key problems, there was the issue of compensation that was likely to come to the fore by admitting 'errors'. However, that was finally put aside and it was mainly because of a public push by both black and white Australians that Sorry Day had to happen. From the perspective of the indigenous Australians, it was not about compensation but a healing to move forward. They needed the ills of the past acknowledged that was all.
All that is needed not to repeat the Sins of our Father, is not to repeat their actions.
This youtube video is a song sung to commemorate Australia's Sorry Day. It applies globally and would be great if it was passed around. (Wish I could embed in this comment).
Hi Shalini,
Years ago I was in a relationship with an Irish guy, and he was forever harping on about Oliver Cromwell, and the potato famine, as though they were last week, and as though it were his immediate family that had been affected! As you so rightly say, the past is the past, and at some point we have to set ourselves free from historical guilt. Can there be a nation on earth that is guilt-free when it comes to crimes against other races, religions, or classes? We have to stand side by side and move forward together. The past is there to learn from, not to re-live.
Hi Shalini
I really agree about so much of what you say. especialy about the need for a sense of humour...So much of the Northern ireland issue got soooooo boring. Some realy great comedians on mornig radio show used to parody the boring politicians spouting their mindless boring negative rhetoric. As Amanda says it was a case of ....get over it nobody cares anymore!! These days Northern ireland is a prosperous and even FUN place to go!!
Hi cflynn,
I so second that! Belfast is a grand city, and there's some great places in the North. I've visited a couple of times, and really loved it.
How right you are Shalini...we need to take responsibility for our present actions, not for something that has gone into history.
Jewels: If a Sorry Day like you had can happen everywhere else in the world with both sides wanting it to heal old grievances, that would really be the best way, wouldn't it? It could only happen in the greatest cricketing nation in the world! :)
Loved the video!
Amanda: 'The past is there to learn from, not to re-live.' - I really don't think it could have been put better!
cflynn: Thanks for commenting - yes, after a while it does become boring - never mind in which corner of the globe it happens.
Feline Prophet: Yes, it is the Now that we need to look at, don't we?
Wonderful hub Shalini! As Amanda mentioned - there is no race, religion or nation that is guilt free, if one goes by past excesses. It would be great if humaity decided to put the negatives in the past behind them and move on.
The politician, unfortunately remains in charge - like it or not. Now if only we could somehow transmogrify the politician into an accountable sort. Maybe the time will come with empowerment of the masses through the spread of educaton (of the right sort).
Great hub, Shalini!
Amanda's comment really sums it up well... 'The past is there to learn from, not to re-live.'
I always live in hope that people will keep a positive attitude and see the humour in a situation. It sure helps!
Well done, Shalini! I was in a mentoring program for youth a couple of years ago and one of the most important lessons we taught them was to forgive those who had wronged them in the past, because when you hold on to old grievances, the only person you're really hurting is yourself. The more empowering choice is to let go of the idea of having been "wronged" and focus on creating a more harmonious society. And yes, it's a lot easier to get there if we don't take ourselves too seriously and can discuss these issues openly and respectfully, with a collective desire to heal old wounds and celebrate our common humanity.
Thanks for this great hub!
Thanks Muser! Yes. it has to be education of the right sort - so necessary right now, wouldn't you say?
Minilady: Yes, a positive attitude is not just desirable but essential today I believe.
Melissa: Thank you - right thru the time we were growing up, my mother always impressed upon us how important it was to 'let things go'. I think Ann Landers got it perfectly when she wrote: 'Hate is like acid. It can damage the vessel in which it is stored as well as destroy the object on which it is poured.' I think the time has come to start the process of healing all over the world!
Shalini, healing a world full of schizophraniacs is as easy as converting carniverous animals to vegetarian status. :)
Yes it is quicksand - but while it's tough, it's not impossible :)
Good luck Shalini, let me know if I could be of any assistance. I like working with schizophraniacs. :)
I will, quicksand :)
Great Hub, this is applicable to every nation and people. Unless we treat each other as our equal and that we are created by the same god or process, the problems will always remain.
Thanks for your comment cgull8m. Yes, it is applicable to all!
I agree, Shalini. As I like to think, "when I have sinned against you, my brother, then I will apologise for MY actions'. Here in America there are many groups who want not just apologies, but money. Well, I wasn't here, and my relatives weren't either. Thanks for a great and thoughtful hub!
Thanks fo reading Christoph. I wish we could cut ourselves from the fetters of the past and dwell more in the now and what's to come!
Hi Shalini,the politicians tendency to divide and rule is the root cause of problems all over the world , especially more in our country!
I agree - sometimes old hurts are fanned to keep the flames of hatred alive!
"the flames of hatred are kept alive to keep certain people in power"
That basically sums it all up very nicely.
I keep seeing and hearing the word "race" used to describe different ethnic groups. When will it end? There are NOT separate races within the human species. We are ALL homo sapiens and we ALL sprang from the same parents. Africa was our place of birth and we are ALL of one family.
Very good Hub but minus ten points for using "races" to catagorize humans of different ethnicities or nationalities.
Thanks for stopping by CWB - yes, I would love to NOT use the word race and think of the world as one big happy family decscended from one mother. The reality is, even if technically the reference to racial groups is wrong, in reality, that is what perception is today :) How I wish it weren't so!
You can always do your part by making a conscience effort to refrain from using "race" as a descriptor of humans. I make it a point to be a nuisance about it myself. Every time I hear someone using that word inappropriately I make sure to point it out. Every journey begins with a single step.
I'm glad you do CWB - the world needs more people like you!
The world is full of people like me. We are all one.
CWB - I wish I could agree!
You could. The choice is yours.
We are one family. We are one race. The same universal energy flows through us all.
We have simply failed to open our eyes. We have not yet learned how to see.
I have never seen an atom. I have no doubt that they exist.
I have never seen the Grand Canyon. I'm pretty sure it's there.
I have never seen all the people sharing the world in Peace and harmony. I still believe I may.
Yes CWB - the choice is ours. The problem however still remains - while some do open their eyes, most live in a blind, prejudiced world, caught in a web of past hurts, slights, perceived abuse.
The ideal world would be a great Oneness.
The reality is that we are divided.
I do believe in it - how and when we get from the now to the ideal is the question.
We could start by surviving as a species, which is looking less likely with each passing day.
You're right CWB - and yet, hope springs eternal :)
We are one people, as one family and like families we fight and argue. Not getting along is a human frailty is it not? 'Twould be nice if it were not so.
I am trully sorry to the world for the part myself and my father's have done in the past. Please accept this apology and may we live in harmony. It's a humble beginning on my part.
CCR - you have a big heart!
However, I still do believe that ideally, one should wipe the slate clean and start anew, without apologies, without resentment - mostly without the past casting its long shadow on us :)
here! here!
Thanks CCR!
Good hub with a lot of reflections. I have noticed one thing : when things turned badly with unemployement, economical crisis,civil wars... The list is long... Unhappily... The people have the tendancy to take refuge in the past. May be because when everything is destroyed around you the past is the only thing left. At that moment the past is very idealized and if without scrupls politicians come,the things can become very dangerous.
Taichichuan - that is such a relevant observation. At crunch times is when the divisive monster rears its ugly head and when suppressed feelings emerge. Bringing back the past can have its good moments and bad I guess!
Wonderfully expressed!! You are very wise and have divine insight as I truly believe this is the way God intended the world to be from the beginning. And yes...if we can learn to laugh at ourselves and not take offense, the world most likely could be a better place. Laughter they say; "Is the best medicine." Peace ~ K
Thanks Kim - how right you are! We need to laugh at ourselves more!
All stated above are true,but to really get that peaceful spirit in affected areas of the world ,one must not forget to give God an invite as well! Splendid hub Shalini! God Bless!
Give God an invite - such a wonderful way of putting it, Waren E - I do agree - it makes it easier on both sides!
No one will have to bear the burden of other in hereafter but In this world they may have to bear some brunt of their families.
True Vizey - wish it weren't so!
Absolutely thought provoking and poigant you have hit the nail on the head.I totally agree"The past is meant to learn lessons from not relive(even in the mind n soul)over n over again.
There was an actress friend of mine called Parveen Babi(God Bless her soul and also pardon me for name-dropping) the mantra of her life was every mistake is a learning experience once-if I repeat it again n again then I'm a stupid fool she would say while flashing her golden smile.
Wish more of us could learn to leave behind the excess emotional baggage we're constantly carrying making us hapless emotional coolies(porters)in the bargain.
Having said that I would stitll like to say that when you're eager to inherit your father's property and bank-balance(these days when the poor chap is still alive,not pateint till he passes away and his will is honored)then how can you brush his sins beneath the carpet?
Agreed there is no need to carry the cross of the past but at the same time waging wars over somethign that happened or is imagined to have happened several centuries back and triggering riots is not because the pain lingers or the humilation still bothers but simply because some seedy politicians want to warm theior hands by burning other peoples houses.
Have you ever wondered that while other crimes are committed the phase always goes that the riots are engineered.Why so? Howcome no body says the riots were committed but engineered.Simply because it is the evil mind that designs and then gets it exectured by others for personal gains.
Agreed our yesterday shapes our today's and plan what our tommorows can possibly be yet we have to draw the line somewhere and take a stand-else we will only keep multiplying the guilt down each generation for something that some faceless ancestor is believed to have done.
It's an absolute pleasure Shalini to get introduced to your hub with such a fine piece of writing.Keep it flowing!!!
The Lip
Thank you for reading, The Lip - and for all the relevant observations. I agree about the engineering - however, it's only when there are grudges that are handed down that there is something that one can use to engineer and foster division. We need to let it go - the past, I mean - how, is the question!
I met Parveen Babi in her Juhu days and was struck by how different she was from the general run of Bollywood - sad life - yes, I hope her soul is at peace!
Me 2 had the pleasure of meeting Parveen Babi right thru the very course of her turbulent life and everytime it was as though I was meeting a different person with the same name.But the moment she flashed her golden smile or broke into her husky laugh-which became rare in her last days she would once again transform in the Parveen she had been once upon a time and seemed to have left behind.
The same was with her eyes-that flashed a laser beam of pain, suffering,sadness and loneliness even when she did make the effort to try and laugh. It was almost as though she knew that she was fighting a losing battle and it was but a matter of time before she would crumble and go down under.
Indeed a sad life.She certainly deserved better.All she clung onto was hope and desired some love but sadly even that was denied to her.Hope she has found her peace in death which eluded her when she was alive.
RIP Parveen.
yes, a sad life indeed!
I have a deep admiration for the wisdom that underlies your thoughts. There is a balance in your outlook that is seldom seen in our various communities.
You alluded to the idea that the internet has placed greater power in the hands of the individual. It is my hope that such a trend will eventually take us to a society where justice and mutual respect become a fundamental currency.
Hi Niteriter - thanks for coming by! I do hope what you hope comes to pass. I love that - justice and mutual respect becoming a 'fundamental currency'! However, it's a long shadow our forefathers' sins cast on us :(
This is an extremely good one ! :) I loved the point it makes ! Yeah we are all born with scars of a collective psycology , I guess the important thing is to have faith ..in science and logic and rationality !
Do we really need history ! ?
As long as we don't take our stories too much to heart, Myriad, yes, they might be interesting!
interesting comments, a quick question, i am part of the relatively wealthy part of the world, just luck, or divine interference, either one. i feel like i am still benefiting from the sins of my father, i live in a rich country, with a lot of power and freedoms, and opportunity. Is it not because of the sins of our fathers, exploitation of African, Indian, south American countries, that the west expects a higher comfort level in everyday life,?? sure we are paying some price already for those inhuman atrocities committed. (racism, terrorist, poverty) but most of us able to use the internet still have the better piece of the pie. its a lot harder for those with nothing, to just forget, and move on? compassion and forgiveness might be a start also, i know i am two years behind in the comments, but making the world a better place never ends
Hi bush pilot - a very thought provoking comment! I don't think we can condone the sins of our fathers - however, I don't think we need to live constantly in its shadow either. A more practical solution would be: what can we do to make life better for us and the rest of humanity? Without grudges or guilt. Compassion shouldn't ever go out of style - but I believe action taken in a pragmatic, realistic manner is a lot better than anguish and anger over past events. That's just my view - but in the final analysis - I guess what we want is a better world so pray God we can do that :)
Paraglider Level 5 Commenter 3 years ago
Hi Shalini - Lennon, or Burns 200 years before - that man to man the world o'er shall brothers be, for a' that. It's an idea that needs restated, often and everywhere.