As I sat there, my eyes carefully analyzing the screen, I could see the words clearly, but believing what I was seeing was simply impossible. Hatred is inescapable. In a world full of different races, religions, and beliefs, everyone is a target for ignorant, stereotypical ridicule. However, I was unaware that Internet chat rooms have become a stage for this form of racism. It is pathetic that people are forced to sit in front of their computers, a time in which most like to escape from the harsh realities of every day life, and be subjected to hatred at every push of a button.
Before I entered the Jewish chat room, I had no preconceptions as to what I would experience. It was with this in mind that I converted to the Jewish religion (for one hour) and entered the chat room with a completely open mind. When I first arrived, I was confronted with daily conversation - the type you would have with your next-door neighbor. One person asked, “Is anyone a Giants fan?” There was nothing about the chat that would indicate it being conducted by Jewish people. It was simply occupied by a group of people. The attitude of the room however, soon vanished with the entrance of a few narrow-minded wastes of space.
“The only good Jew is a dead one!” flashed boldly across the screen. At first, everyone in the room carried on the previous conversation, which had to do with daily jobs, and simply ignored the racist comment. “I am Hitler!” came up on the screen just as bold as the first message, but obviously carrying much more sentimental weight. The comment did not go ignored. Most stated the fact that it was probably written by a child, but it was obvious the message was taken to heart. Just following the aftermath of the last comment, a new person enters the room only to deliver the message, “I can sense the greed in here amongst the Jews.” In a matter of seconds, six people left the room. The ones who chose to stay only became witness to more hateful comments. “Anyone here have a big nose?” Some of those that remained chose to put the racists on ignore, but most continued to leave. At this point I was at a complete loss for words. I just sat back in amazement and watched the chat vanish into thin air.
In conclusion, people are people. Whether someone is black, white, Asian, gay, Jewish, or Catholic, we all are bonded by daily life and the feelings and emotions that characterize the human race. It was truly sad to see the chat room overcome by hatred, but it made me realize the ignorant ridicule certain people are faced with on a daily basis. This observation gave me the opportunity to sit inside someone else’s skin, even if just for a moment, and experience their experiences, feel their feelings, and witness the hate of others.
Before I entered the Jewish chat room, I had no preconceptions as to what I would experience. It was with this in mind that I converted to the Jewish religion (for one hour) and entered the chat room with a completely open mind. When I first arrived, I was confronted with daily conversation - the type you would have with your next-door neighbor. One person asked, “Is anyone a Giants fan?” There was nothing about the chat that would indicate it being conducted by Jewish people. It was simply occupied by a group of people. The attitude of the room however, soon vanished with the entrance of a few narrow-minded wastes of space.
“The only good Jew is a dead one!” flashed boldly across the screen. At first, everyone in the room carried on the previous conversation, which had to do with daily jobs, and simply ignored the racist comment. “I am Hitler!” came up on the screen just as bold as the first message, but obviously carrying much more sentimental weight. The comment did not go ignored. Most stated the fact that it was probably written by a child, but it was obvious the message was taken to heart. Just following the aftermath of the last comment, a new person enters the room only to deliver the message, “I can sense the greed in here amongst the Jews.” In a matter of seconds, six people left the room. The ones who chose to stay only became witness to more hateful comments. “Anyone here have a big nose?” Some of those that remained chose to put the racists on ignore, but most continued to leave. At this point I was at a complete loss for words. I just sat back in amazement and watched the chat vanish into thin air.
In conclusion, people are people. Whether someone is black, white, Asian, gay, Jewish, or Catholic, we all are bonded by daily life and the feelings and emotions that characterize the human race. It was truly sad to see the chat room overcome by hatred, but it made me realize the ignorant ridicule certain people are faced with on a daily basis. This observation gave me the opportunity to sit inside someone else’s skin, even if just for a moment, and experience their experiences, feel their feelings, and witness the hate of others.
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