How Are Hate Crimes Still Happening in 2019??

"Empire" star Jussie Smollett was hospitalized today in Chicago after being violently attacked early this morning.

Reports are saying he was attacked by two men in ski masks who were yelling out racial and homophobic slurs. They also used rope, an unknown chemical substance and MAGA references, according to witnesses. The attack is being investigated as a hate crime.

This really makes you think.. how is this STILL happening in 2019? Is our current political state and the obvious split of our country empowering people to be horrible to each other? What type of person would ever treat another human like this?

Of course, bad things and hateful people will always be a part of reality. It's just sadly unrealistic to think hate could ever be completely gone. Is social media highlighting these acts more so we're more aware of them before, or are these hate crimes actually increasing? I don't know the answer to that but I do know that the way each of us can combat hate is by kindness.

Being kind to strangers and everyone we encounter. A smile really goes a long way. Engaging in a genuine conversation with your Trader Joes cashier rather than surface level "I'm good, thanks" pleasantries just to get by.

We've all got the opportunity to make a small difference each and every day. Remember that!