SCLD lecture: Facing hate with forgiveness

Above : Rais Bhuiyan will deliver a lecture about hate and forgiveness on March 10. (Photo/PBS)

It almost seems as if every time I turn on the television, open a newspaper or click on to some social-media site I read about another act of violence.

Such acts range from global events such as Russia’s attack on Ukraine to the seemingly random shootings all across our own country.

All in one way or another are caused by hatred. Wars can be explained away as complex historical, political and cultural disruptions. Individual actions can be attributed to mental disturbance. And a case can be made for both views.

Still, the root of it all is hatred. Just ask Rais Bhuiyan. Or, rather, listen to him as he delivers a lecture titled “One Second of Hate: A Story of Forgiveness.” Sponsored by the Spokane County Library District and Humanities.org, Bhuiyan’s presentation will be available online at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 10.

Bhuiyan’s story involves his being shot by a self-styled “patriot” named Mark Stroman, who went on a vengeful spree in Dallas, Texas, shortly after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Bhuiyan, working at the time in a convenience store, was one of three men whom Stroman shot – and the only one who survived.

Despite being wounded, and forced to endure several operations to repair his face, Bhuiyan forgave Stroman. He even lobbied, though unsuccessfully, against his would-be killer’s execution (Stroman was executed in 2011).

When asked by a New York Times reporter why he was interested in saving Stroman’s life, Bhuiyan had a moving reply.

“I was raised very well by my parents and teachers,” he said. “They raised me with good morals and strong faith. They taught me to put yourself in others’ shoes. Even if they hurt you, don’t take revenge. Forgive them. Move on. It will bring something good to you and them.”

Click here to register .