NCFM NOTE: Hate is arguably the most destructive force on the planet, including fueling the insidious and overt war against boys and men. We are all victims, even the haters… Harry Crouch, President/Chairman of the Board.
Charlie Kirk and the Power of Love Over Hate
Hate Is Easier to Organize Than Love
It is often easier to organize around hate than around love. Across the political spectrum, hatred — sometimes framed as righteous anger — is used to motivate people into action. Love for humanity, by contrast, rarely sparks mass protests or movements. Yet history shows that organizing around love can be profoundly transformative. Figures like Jesus built movements rooted in compassion, though doing so often came at great personal cost.
The Assassination of Charlie Kirk and the Politics of Hatred
The assassination of Charlie Kirk represents another tragic outcome of organized hatred. While the political right is often accused of harboring anger and hostility toward perceived threats, it is important to acknowledge that the left is equally vulnerable to these same dynamics. Neither side openly admits to their darker impulses, but the consequences are clear: rising political violence and deepening social division.
Propaganda vs. Counter-Propaganda
If divisive propaganda fuels polarization, then counter-propaganda and positive messaging must be part of the solution. Thankfully, thousands of organizations in the United States are dedicated to bridging divides, fostering dialogue, and reducing hostility. But real progress begins when individuals recognize how we ourselves contribute to the problem.
Blame Doesn’t Heal Division
Once we understand that both sides play a role, blame becomes less useful. Many on the left believe the right is engaged in a “race war,” fueling fear that in turn leads conservatives to view demographic changes as an existential threat. Conversely, many on the right suspect Democrats are deliberately leveraging immigration and multiculturalism to reshape the electorate, equating these changes with a loss of national identity. These narratives feed off one another, creating a cycle of misunderstanding and fear.
Truth, Lies, and Half-Truths
Breaking that cycle requires distinguishing truth from falsehood — on both sides. As the saying goes, “a little truth is better than a whole lie.” Half-truths often serve as the foundation for larger deceptions. Our ability to think critically can be clouded by psychological needs like belonging or acceptance, which make us more likely to trust unreliable sources and embrace narratives that reinforce our biases.
Listening and Self-Examination
The way forward begins with listening. Genuine understanding comes from hearing the other side. The next step is self-examination — questioning our own assumptions and beliefs. Together, these practices open the door to truth, reconciliation, and meaningful change.
The Power of Positive Messaging
Countering divisive narratives with positive, unifying messages is both necessary and possible. For instance, I created a T-shirt carrying the message: “Masculinity is not toxic. Masculinity is attractive.” This simple statement pushes back against harmful stereotypes while promoting a more balanced view. Similarly, anyone can create messages that emphasize dignity, unity, and shared humanity across political divides.
Rethinking “The Other”
Both sides must also adopt healthier attitudes toward those they see as “the other.” For the right, this includes minorities, liberals, feminists, socialists, and immigrants — groups with their own rights, concerns, and values worth respecting. For the left, it means cultivating a more constructive view of men, Christians, white people, Americans, and the nation itself. Men are not inherently “toxic.” Christians are not automatically nationalists or extremists. White people and Americans are not intrinsically racist or imperialist.
Building Unity to Defend Democracy
By challenging disinformation and rejecting hostility toward these groups, we reduce bitterness and weaken the forces — intentional or not — that seek to divide us. In doing so, we strengthen democracy and build the foundations of a more united nation.
