An elderly man goes to a shop to buy groceries. A teenager was managing the shop, and he requested a product. As it was on a higher shelf, the boy struggled to take it. The elderly man offered help, saying, “Son, should I help you?” The teenager belonged to a backward caste. Offended for being called son by a low caste man, the whole family, with other people, thrashed and abused the elderly man, shouting caste slurs. After six days, he died in a hospital. (The Indian Express, 24 May 2025)
Love or hate? Addressing a teenager as son or daughter is a common courtesy in all cultures. Children are loved in all societies. Cherishing them like their own children is not a sin or crime. Sadly, when a culture does not teach love, but disdain and hate towards others, especially towards those of the lower ranks in the social hierarchy. However, the Bible teaches to love your neighbor as yourself. (Leviticus 19:18; Mark 12:30,31) Loving others by showing respect, helping in need, and rejoicing in their success.
Arrogance: Pride could originate from different causes. Richness, power, prestige, position, class, clan, and caste. Some people take pride that many could be oppressed under their level, and are not bothered by oppressors above them. This petty arrogance is expressed with brutality and ruthlessness.
Anger: There is a strong and rigid social hierarchy. How can a person who is in the lower rung of the ladder call someone higher to be a family member? The offended ego vents its anger. An unruly gang gathers to fight against the offenders who have bruised their ego.
Violence and death: The elderly man was verbally abused and severely beaten with sticks. It ends in a miserable death.
Evil world: A word of love could invite so much violence is evidence of a toxic culture prevalent today. The wicked world rejects the true God, that all humans descended from Adam and Eve, and Christ died for all.
Do I demonstrate equality, fraternity, and love in my daily life?