Why do WE Hate?

Islamic quote: "A friend cannot be considered as friends until he is tested in three occasions; in time of need, behind your back and until after your death."

What's the deal with this idea of hate?  Why do we show so much hate to those things unknown to us.  At some point in our lives we all are unaware of so much around us, why then do we choose hate so quickly without proper investigation?

We are in a time presently where so much of our nation chooses to believe the popular media that those things foreign to us are bad, or awful, or scary.

The first thing that comes to mind is the idea that Islam is bad or detestable.  I'm here to say that thought is so far from the truth that it's down right disgusting to me.

I work in the Arab Gulf, a place where the Muslim culture is woven throughout all the fabric of life.  I have yet to meet someone over there that looks at me because of my skin color or the look that my face represents with detest or malice.  Literally, the most pleasant human beings I have ever been around are born and live in an Islamic way of life. 

We have to wake up to the beauty of diversity, for too long we have allowed ourselves to foster feelings of negativity for a culture so rich in love, wisdom, and understanding.

I understand that religions have an agenda, but at the root of all religion is the tenant of brotherhood and love for your brothers and sisters.  So why then do we choose hate over love and acceptance? Why do we decide we don't like someone for how they look or the religion they choose to practice?

Let's stop picking hate as a first response to the unknown and let's start doing some personal reflection and investigation as to the real nature of cultures and differing ideas.

Next time you see someone who looks different than you or you meet someone with different ideas than you take a minute to get to know that person, if they suck because they're an awful person that's one thing, but don't judge anything or anyone based on the cover of the book.