We’re Taught to Hate

I’ve been thinking about the South Pacific song, “You’ve Got to be Carefully Taught,” which is partially responsible for spreading the idea that hate is taught.

You’ve got to be taught
To hate and fear, you’ve got to be taught from year to year
It’s got to be drummed in your dear little ear
You’ve got to be carefully taught.
You’ve got to be taught
To be afraid of people
Whose eyes are oddly made
And people whose skin is a different shade
You’ve got to be carefully taught.

And while many peop...