GUILTY MANIFESTO:

I am what's wrong with the world

Murder. Rape. Genocide. Racism. Sectarianism. Theft. Hatred. Bigotry. Injustice. Poverty. Pride. Illegal occupation. Arrogance. Sexism. Envy. Sexual Abuse. Ethnic cleansing. Exploitation. Sex trafficking. Oppression.

Over the past several decades, Lebanon has experienced civil war, sectarian strife, and occupation.  Other countries like Rwanda, Kosova, Sudan, Congo, and Iraq have been ravaged by war and genocide.  Across the world millions have been killed in the name of nationalism, many others in the name of religion. Greed drives people to take advantage of those without a voice. Girls are denied education and basic rights. Women are forced into lives of prostitution and sex trafficking. Children around the world suffer from sexual abuse, hunger, injustice, and famine.

What's wrong with the world? What can we do?

In response to the terrors, wars, and injustice, many seek to right the world's wrongs either by taking a side or through the avenues of legislation, diplomacy, and even art. A famed war photographer, when asked what influences his dangerous work, spoke of wanting to take enough startling pictures so they might convince people to end the atrocities of famine and war. Diplomats talk of the right circumstances and the right talks which will put an end to prejudice and create enough understanding to end hatred.  Still others believe that a forceful response is necessary.

But these solutions are all missing the mark of the ultimate problem: me. I am what's wrong with the world.

What separates me from the worst villain in the world or my vilest enemy? What separates me from murderers, perpetrators of genocide, rapists, and corrupt politicians and leaders? Nothing, for the ultimate problem lies in my heart.

My malignant heart must be cured. We need a radical solution to this radical problem.

Because I am what's wrong with the world.

What about you?

GUILTY MANIFESTO:

I am what's wrong with the world.

Murder. Rape. Genocide. Racism. Sectarianism. Theft. Hatred. Bigotry. Injustice. Poverty. Pride. Illegal occupation. Arrogance. Sexism. Envy. Sexual Abuse. Ethnic cleansing. Exploitation. Sex trafficking. Oppression.

Over the past several decades, Lebanon has experienced civil war, sectarian strife, and occupation.  Other countries like Rwanda, Kosova, Sudan, Congo, and Iraq have been ravaged by war and genocide.  Across the world millions have been killed in the name of nationalism, many others in the name of religion. Greed drives people to take advantage of those without a voice. Girls are denied education and basic rights. Women are forced into lives of prostitution and sex trafficking. Children around the world suffer from sexual abuse, hunger, injustice, and famine.

What's wrong with the world? What can we do?

In response to the terrors, wars, and injustice, many seek to right the world's wrongs either by taking a side or through the avenues of legislation, diplomacy, and even art. A famed war photographer, when asked what influences his dangerous work, spoke of wanting to take enough startling pictures so they might convince people to end the atrocities of famine and war. Diplomats talk of the right circumstances and the right talks which will put an end to prejudice and create enough understanding to end hatred.  Still others believe that a forceful response is necessary.

But these solutions are all missing the mark of the ultimate problem: me. I am what's wrong with the world.

What separates me from the worst villain in the world or my vilest enemy? What separates me from murderers, perpetrators of genocide, rapists, and corrupt politicians and leaders? Nothing, for the ultimate problem lies in my heart.

My malignant heart must be cured. We need a radical solution to this radical problem.

Because I am what's wrong with the world.  What about you?

Am I the oppressor or the oppressed?

"In the face of the oppressed I recognize my own face, and in the hands of the oppressor I recognize my own hands. Their flesh is my flesh, their blood is my blood, their pain is my pain, their smile is my smile."

-Henri Nouwen, With Open Hands

CONTACT US @ iamguilty@gmail.com