In a world that often seems fraught with negativity, bitterness and hostility, it’s not uncommon to find ourselves grappling with feelings of hate and disdain towards others. 

And I feel it all. 

While some may argue hatred is an emotion that should be avoided at all costs, it’s essential to acknowledge that not all hatred is the same.

Over the past few years, I’ve found myself wrestling with feelings of hatred towards certain individuals, especially during my time at Kent State. I’ve pondered whether it’s the people I’ve encountered here who are inherently unpleasant or if I’m simply becoming more cynical. My emotions have led me to think:

 “Either way, I hate you.” 

However, it’s crucial to clarify that when I say “you,” I’m not addressing you, the reader, unless you are among those who’ve wronged me in the past. Then yes, you.

I’ve had a mental battle with this feeling for quite some time now. The happy-go-lucky Mother Teresa wannabe bitch in me wishes so badly I didn’t hate anybody and that love conquers hate. 

Wrong. 

I wish I could be one of those people who say, “Hate is a strong word! I don’t hate anybody.” 

Gold star for you, buddy!

I have definitely said this before, and it was a total lie. 

Every time I audibly suggest I hate someone, it is without fail that one of my friends will challenge me. 

“You don’t mean that!”

“That’s evil!” 

I feel like I’m being forced into a gross love circle full of people I simply do not want to be around or have to tolerate. 

But let me clarify. 

The hatred I’m discussing here is not the same as the deeply ingrained and unjust hatreds that plague our world, such as racism, homophobia, sexism or transphobia. Those forms of hatred are evil and unacceptable.

This is not the kind of hate I’m talking about. 

I’m talking about hating someone you know in your personal, day-to-day life. Someone who is just an outright awful person. An awful person who you believe should never receive the benefit of the doubt because they just suck and don’t deserve it. 

Strangely enough, the ability to hate can be a valuable skill. 

I’ve always been skeptical of individuals who claim to be indifferent or incapable of hating anyone. To me, it often suggests a lack of moral discernment or an inability to differentiate right from wrong. I once had a close friend who remained indifferent to every situation and person, even when some of those people were genuinely terrible individuals. It astonished me because sometimes hatred is a justified response.

The thing about the hatred I have for these people though, is I never publicly acted upon it, and it is usually a private emotion I exhibit. I think hating someone in private is more than healthy and normal. Publicly showcasing this hate, however, would lead to what does become harmful. 

I feel like our generation tries so hard to push the agenda that we should all just love each other and blah blah blah. No. This is incredibly unrealistic. You are not meant to like everyone – let alone love everyone. 

Some of the nicest people I know talk the most shit behind their enemies’ backs. And you know you eat it up every time. 

In a world that often preaches love and unity, it’s essential to recognize not all hatred is born equal. Personal dislike and disdain for individuals who consistently display negative behavior are valid emotions. However, it’s crucial to draw a line between this personal aversion and the far more serious and harmful forms of hatred that plague our society. 

So, I allow myself to hold hatred for those I once held dear.

Ones who crushed my perception of friendship and loyalty. For those who made me feel inferior rather than an equal. For those who made me feel worse when I needed them most. For those who have hurt somebody else I love.

And for those who just are f****ing annoying. 

So for now, and probably forever, I hate you.

Grace Clarke is opinion editor. Contact her [email protected].