Say No to Hate: Kristie Cain Raymer

There are so many things that need to be fixed but somehow we need to stop the OTHER mentality. Trying to embrace difference — and understanding that our differences are what make us stronger — will lead to a better unity within our populations. We spend so much time hating and singling out those that are different. If we used that energy to come together we could make a better life for all of us.

Kristie Cain Raymer
Photo credit: Courtesy Center for Civil and Human Rights

Known for her work in civil and human rights, Kristie Cain Raymer is an Atlanta-based marketing director.

Say No To Hate 1

Kristie Cain Raymer: There are so many things that need to be fixed but somehow we need to stop the “OTHER” mentality. Trying to embrace difference — and understanding that our differences are what make us stronger — will lead to a better unity within our populations. We spend so much time hating and singling out those who are different. If we used that energy to come together we could make a better life for all of us.

This is true everywhere, including Atlanta. One of the biggest issues with our city is equity. We are a city of tear-it-down and build-it-up, move “them” out and move “us” in. We tend not to reform and address issues, but start over again. This leads to huge disparities in who has access to fair housing, quality education, and safe livelihood. It is too hard in our city to get out of underserved areas because equal access does not exist.

Say No To Hate 2

Kristie Cain Raymer: The easiest answer is exercise your right to vote and vote for politicians that have the best interests of the most people at heart. Vote for people that don’t perpetuate hatred and “otherness.” Become educated on who you are voting for and how they will work to change where we live.

Say No To Hate 3

Kristie Cain Raymer: It is a solution as long as it isn’t the only tactic. It should be one execution in a long-term goal to get people to listen and understand WHY it is necessary to protest. A one-time execution without follow-up is a reaction. It has to be part of a larger movement.

Say No To Hate 4

Kristie Cain Raymer: I don’t think we can get around using social media for a movement, just because it is our main vehicle for access to information. It has to be scrutinized. People have to be teased by the messages in social media and do research to weed out fake news and news that is tailored to their opinions. As a tactic for gaining participation in rallies and protests it is very effective. We have seen movements grow from a couple of hundred people to thousands mainly relying on social media.

Say No To Hate 5

Kristie Cain Raymer: Unfortunately I don’t think there is one voice for this, and the voice on the other side is so loud its sometimes hard to hear. Following and participating in diverse conversations is the best way to gain understanding. Educating yourself on what the other side is saying is perfect fodder for forming your arguments for why not. I look to influencers in many places to help form my own opinions.

Say No To Hate 6

Kristie Cain Raymer: Stop hating. Respect human dignity. Look at the reasons for your hate and develop self-awareness to understand why. Use that understanding to repair what it is in yourself that makes you feel threatened or scared. Dissect your reasons for hate, and determine if they are your own or if they were passed on from somewhere else. If we all look at why we hate from a personal level we can help heal and be better stewards of humanity.


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Wednesday August 29, 2018 04:40 PM EDT
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