Hindusim and Red Scare

Hinduism claims that there is an entity that exists in all things, through all things, and because all things. This entity, called Brahman, is the connection that runs through everything. It is inside you, inside me, inside that car, that deer, that tree, that moon- inside everything. This theory is found in Christianity as well, although most Christians would deny this, seeing as though the idea is found in Hinduism and Christians in the 21st century are especially afraid of hearing about other religious, lest they find something that sounds like truth.

In Christianity, there is believed to be one god. He is described as omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. If a being is capable of knowing everything, doing anything, and being everywhere, does that not mean that he/she/it is in everything? It would have to, if the entity is everywhere. You cannot be everywhere and yet not be in something that occupies space. Therefore, it is logical to say that the Christian god is in everything. He is in you, in me, in that car, that deer, that tree, that moon- in everything.

Hinduism describes Brahman as humanity's link to everything. It says that we are connected to everything in such a way because what is inside us is inside everything else as well. This gives us a certain responsibility, it would seem to me, to treat not only humans but everything with reverence and respect.

However, Americans during the 40s, 50s, and 60s didn't share this believe. During that time, the Soviet Union was a major world power, and America thought its liberties were in jeopardy. Therefore, the government decided that the collective conscious of the nation should be that of cultivated fear. Government institutions started instilling terror in the hearts of the people at the expense of communism, claiming it as the worst evil of all, and any sympathizers were a threat to America and should be ostracized. Myriad campaigns of patriotism sprung up. President Truman favored the word "freedom" in his speeches. American citizens were taught that freedom was the greatest asset and should be protected religiously.

Strangely, America made severe missteps while on the march to end Communism. Firstly, America claimed that anyone who was on its side was not a threat to freedom, basically saying that if you're with us, your right. Also, America overlooked its own racism, an obvious obstruction of freedom to millions of Americans. America was so focused on ending Communism that it neglected to consider how it was inflicting pain upon itself with segregation and injustice. America refused to see the humanity in Communists. It refused to see the strain of life that runs through all humanity. Instead, it chose to protect itself at all costs, costs that included the life and well being of millions of people.

Obviously, the Red Scare was ridiculous. Widespread panic was commonplace, and it was propagated by the government, which somehow makes it legitimate. Today, we must look to the humanity in everyone. Otherwise, peace and life and love cannot be accomplished.