In times of major conflict between different States or between peoples of different nationalities or faith etc., people around the world are divided. But, those NOT involved in the conflict directly must remember what is right and wrong and to not lose one's humanity.
When it comes to identity, most formal and informal education system around the world focus on and elevate the person's nationality, religion, class, sex/gender, official position/profession, age, race, caste, sexuality etc. What is most important, however, is to teach a person to think of themself as a human being first and to value humanity above all.
To me, the worth of a Nation is in the way it treats the weakest and the most vulnerable within its borders.
The way it has been treating the most vulnerable-- children, women, Dalits, and the home-born "refugee" -- Nepal as a nation has little to no worth.
Our nation has lost our humanity and Buddha would be ashamed of us.
November 8, 2012: it had just been two days since the re-election of President Obama in the US. That day, I shared, on Facebook, how who is in the White House doesn't make a real difference to the US and the world. I argued that regardless of who is in that House in Washington DC, because the systems in place are completely rigged and those who control, run, and enforce them are corrupt, a significant percentage of the American and world population will continue to suffer.
Here's a reproduction of that Facebook post and the interesting discussion I had underneath it with friends, interesting especially now since the election of Trump to the same office!
Life is life, regardless of nationality, religion, skin color or any trait you want to name. And suffering does not discriminate. But to social and other media, the value of life appears to depend on one or combination of traits, such as nationality and religion.
Additionally, the suffering of some are more of a suffering than those of others. Not to me.
And, what's more, some believe that ones pain and suffering can be alleviated by causing pain and suffering to others. I don't.
