Of course, we keep scratching our heads as we wonder, "What the hell happened?" Somehow hate trumped love this year; however, we can say unequivocally that "hate" will NOT top our list of the "Words of the Year" for 2016 -- although there are plenty of reasons why it certainly could take the top spot.
As a matter of fact, since the election of Donald Trump as President of the United States, the rise of hate does not seem to be subsiding at all. Instead, incidents fueled by hate seem to multiply daily as people doff their gay apparel this holiday season. Many are emboldened by Trump's hate-filled bully-tactics. To hell with politically correctness; welcome to the era of bigotry-unchecked-ness.
The rise in the tide of hate reminded us of a now-classic poem by Emmett Lee Dickinson (Emily Dickinson's third cousin, twice removed -- at her request). Although written in the late-1800s, Dickinson's poem, "Mine Enemy is growing bold" (below on the left), describes the invigorated vitriol of hate-mongers who are targeting women, minorities, and many others. Dickinson's poem inspired third cousin Emily to pen her poem "Mine Enemy is growing old" (below on the right).
By Emmett Lee Dickinson: Mine Enemy is growing bold – He wants at last Revenge – The Palate of his Hate imparts – Abhorrence that’s intense Vitriolic – the Violent fits – They have a jaded Bleat – Anger as soon as said with dread – Is feeding fears with spite – | By Emily Dickinson: Mine Enemy is growing old – I have at last Revenge – The Palate of the Hate departs – If any would avenge Let him be quick – the Viand flits – It is a faded Meat – Anger as soon as fed is dead – 'Tis starving makes it fat – |
Pictured below: Some examples of acts of bigotry by individuals emboldened by Donald Trump's vitriol and bigotry: