During the early fifties when racism was still an acute problem throughout much of the world, life for many who had a different skin colour or ethnic origin was nothing short of a nightmare.

The struggle for true justice for all continued, despite a civil war in America that claimed thousands of lives over the issue of slavery.

Racial hatred was so profound, that in the world of entertainment, African-Americans were portrayed in many early films as poorly educated, unintelligent people, not capable of being anything more than house servants.

It seemed even Hollywood at that time was afraid of offending an affluent white audience that had yet to embrace the unstoppable march towards freedom and equal rights for all.

It is always dangerous to paint everyone with one brush because throughout the world there will always be evil people of all races and creeds who allow hatred to dominate their attitudes towards other cultures. Such negative attitudes are still with us today, despite great strides over the years to reach the higher ground of accepting and appreciating that there are good people in all cultures.

The fifties was also a decade the entertainment business in America began to deal with prejudice more openly through films and magazines, and even the comic book industry took a bold step by shining the spotlight on racial issues that needed exposure, in order for things to change. Entertainment Comics, popularly known as EC comics, published a story back then they simply called, Hate.

It told how a group of men with bitter prejudice against Jews allowed their emotions to explode to a point where they decided to set ablaze the house of a young Jewish couple who had moved into their neighbourhood. The couple perished in the inferno as the group watched from a distance.

The shocking twist to this tale, was that the ringleader in that act of hatred, was unaware of his own Jewish heritage.

As it turned out, his real mother was in a car crash while pregnant. That crash also took the life of her husband. A doctor at the scene was able to save her baby, before she succumbed to her injuries.

That doctor and his wife decided to adopt the child, who later as a grown man, fell prey to bigotry.

The point of the story was that when other members of that hate group discovered their friend was actually Jewish, they treated him with the same disdain and rejection he felt justified in dishing out to that young Jewish couple.

Yes, though a comic book story, it was handled with skilful art, good writing, and carried a lesson that bigotry has no place in a decent society. There must be some truth in an old Chinese saying that when one embarks on seeking revenge, they should first dig two graves.

In the recent Republican presidential debate it was somewhat alarming to hear the frontrunner, billionaire Donald Trump, use the word hate several times in describing the religion Islam. Pressed further on this stance he said, “they hate America”.

For someone seeking the highest office in the land, it would seem wiser to distinguish between radicals committing crimes that peaceful Muslims the world over condemn as not being representative of the Islamic faith.

Trump later softened his tone on that subject and in a slight switch said “a lot of Islam hate America”. He perhaps realised that his view was as radical as the people he was criticising, and could hurt his efforts to become president.

Other GOP candidates were quick to disagree with such a sweeping conclusion, and stressed that friendly Muslim countries were needed to help in eradicating extremist groups better known as Isis. It was also pointed out that Muslims serve in the US armed forces with honour, and that should never be forgotten. Again we have politicians at times allowing their emotions to control their tongues.

Here in Bermuda recently, some members of the Opposition have fallen prey to doing just that in expressing disapproval of the Government’s immigration reform proposal. To refer to the One Bermuda Alliance Government as cockroaches fell well below standards expected from elected officials, especially when one recalls the horror in Rwanda, when the Hutus used that term to describe the Tutsis before hundreds were slaughtered in a bloodbath that country is still suffering from.

When we observe our young children of different races engaged in positive activities that can only build a better and stronger community, it is disturbing to hear some people in community leadership positions giving support to cries of shutting the island down, or warning of consequences if the Government proceeds with immigration reform aimed at providing long-term residents an opportunity to citizenship. Those opposed to Government’s Pathways to Status see the move as an attempt to increase voter support.

Disagreement is always at the core of nasty exchanges between rival political groups and the people of this island should never settle for holding our infrastructure hostage over threats to destabilise life for all, over questionable objectives by some. We need to refrain from inciting remarks that might not be easy to pull back before it is too late.

Too many silent people who should be making their voices heard, could give the wrong impression that disrespectful and demeaning conduct by those in leadership positions is okay. It is not.

Bermuda has come this far with common sense in dealing with many challenges. Hatred in any form, is an ingredient we can do without.