Virginia Press - Journal Entry 10 - On Hatred of the Other

Tonight, I had the unique privilege of listening to Dennis Shepard as he addressed the cast of The Laramie Project before our preview performance. While he spoke, he said something so similar to what Professor Redick had told us during lecture today I was taken aback. He told us that what happened to Matthew Shepard happened because of a human hatred for the Other. 

Frequently, Heroes and Mystics focuses on the consequences to one's self. When the people attempt to make Jesus their King, they do it because of a personal failing. We talk about what heroes must do to fulfill themselves, to complete their journeys. But this real, worldly parallel brought to the surface some questions I'd had after our perusal of Paris, Texas. 

The protagonist of that film was not a good person. He could not overcome the human urge to conquer the Other in regards to his wife. He could not rationalize her autonomy and therefore cause horrible harm. Of course, he was not a demi-God meant to represent extraordinary ability. He was just a person like we are. While his inability to grow caused personal consequences, the heaviest burdens were carried by those he hurt. I don't know if we talk enough about how these transformations we undergo are for the sake of our deep connections to others.

We are not godly, heroic beings, but we too, are required to grow and change. We as individuals, and we as a people must respond to the calls we receive. Matthew Shepard was a call for acceptance of our others. While many accepted the call, it is not true that the American people were ready to follow that call. This is why we must continue to develop as individuals; we have a responsibility to bring our ultimate boons of caring and compassion to our neighbors and our friends. 

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