I was surprised to understand that this foundation and its campaign was founded by the Benetton Group and that its aim was all about tolerance and acceptance. It's really true what they say that what "separates" love and hate is a really, really thin line. We just need to know how to control this and not let hate overpower love.
"...The two opposing sentiments are often in a delicate and unstable balance."
We need to be able to love others and tolerate them even with the differences that "separates" us. We can tolerate each other. Tolerate religion, for example. That's a big one. But it happens that people can get into a lot of arguments when the subject is brought into the table. One religion just talks trash about the other religion because they never agree on something or feel that their way is the "right" way. That's not the way it should be, is it? But it happens. And we have the power to change that.
I found myself liking this campaign because we've all been in a situation in which love and hate come together almost at once, and it also happens that in the end hatred wins. In my case, I had a best friend before and due to some circumstances we haven't spoken in 5 years. She really hates me and I'm afraid she won't ever forgive me, or like me enough to even tolerate my presence in the same place she happens to be. I used to hate her. Actually, I used to be just really angry at her and disappointed, but since I screwed up the last time everything then switched to how it is now. We won't ever be friends again, but in my heart I don't hate her; I'm at peace. And I wish that someday she will still love me despite everything. But the person I really need to stop hating is my sister.
This Unhate thing couldn't have popped out in my face at a better time. I have many resentments against my sister. For everything she did to me since I was little. I've got to say that I learned to tolerate her and love her as a sister even though I didn't usually enjoy my time around her, but she is still my sister.
Right now, we're not talking. I apologized to her for being harsh with my words but she hasn't apologized to me for the last thing she did to me. But I decided that even though the reason why we're not talking is still in the air and she hasn't apologized, that I will forgive her anyway. And I think that that is a sign of toleration and even love.
I Ieave you with the website so that you can take a look to all those politicians kissing, the kiss wall and find out more about this UNHATE campagin.
http://unhate.benetton.com/campaign/
Remember to UNHATE =)