A complex and intense movie looking at a day in the life of various characters set in post 9-11 LA. The movie explores racial attitudes and prejudices through the eyes of the characters who are all from different ethnicities - black, hispanic, white, persian, chinese. Although it features a number of Hollywood stars, the movie is so refreshingly un-Hollywood (thank goodness!).
Stereotypes, generalisations, arrogance. These are some of the factors that lead to prejudice. [Prejudice is a subject that has been on my mind - though more of gender prejudices and class (rich-poor) prejudices.] Its amazing what stereotyping a person based on the colour of skin can lead to. Its amazing how those at the top of the pile can get away with so much. How easy it is to accuse someone else because of their prejudiced views, and yet we can walk away with our own set of prejudiced views.
"So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." John 13:34,35Jesus' command has no room for prejudices, yet those who call themselves disciples of Jesus can be filled with prejudice. But isn't it interesting, that the mark of a follower is not how much they sing, or pray, or donate, but in their love for one another.
"Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is born of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God - for God is love." 1 John 4:7,8What would the world be like, if we could show this kind of love. Even if a quarter of the world actively lives out this kind of love, the world would be a better place. Its tough challenge. But I hope that one day, people will know I am a follower of Jesus because I have shown for others, as as Jesus did.
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