He is Greek by nationality, and I know and respect him as someone who has for years fought tirelessly for the minority rights of Macedonians, who have been oppressed by his own homeland (as he says).
I think the difference in his mind is probably due to exposure. He's had enough exposure to Macedonians to have a heart for them, but he's likely never been to Israel or Palestine. If he's a practicing Orthodox, sermons in church probably take the Israeli side of things. If he had personal contact with Palestinians, he would change his tune. Their humanity would grow in his heart.
This is how xenophobia is rooted in ignorance. How can you hate someone when you've felt their goodness? Some people continue down the path of evil, but that's willful, and most people don't make that decision once they've had the exposure to trigger that critical decision point. But in order to do that we have to open our hearts, open our hands and interact with each other.
My only explanation is that the digital age, has turned the world into separated and static pictures, none part of a connected narrative. At the same time it's a huge illusion of boundless information.
I think the difference in his mind is probably due to exposure. He's had enough exposure to Macedonians to have a heart for them, but he's likely never been to Israel or Palestine. If he's a practicing Orthodox, sermons in church probably take the Israeli side of things. If he had personal contact with Palestinians, he would change his tune. Their humanity would grow in his heart.
This is how xenophobia is rooted in ignorance. How can you hate someone when you've felt their goodness? Some people continue down the path of evil, but that's willful, and most people don't make that decision once they've had the exposure to trigger that critical decision point. But in order to do that we have to open our hearts, open our hands and interact with each other.
The moral incongruences are limitless.
My only explanation is that the digital age, has turned the world into separated and static pictures, none part of a connected narrative. At the same time it's a huge illusion of boundless information.
Pathetic