Say it with Grace.

A picture of a young Sikh girl Balpreet Kaur with facial hair was ported in the “funny section of a social media site. Everyone uses social media to make insensitive joker about communities and religion. The response of this young girl was commendable far from biting back with sarcasm she replied with divine grace. She explained about her faith which believes in the sacredness of the body and the importance of looking beyond body and vituals where only though would leave a lasting legacy. She even went so far as to apologize for causing confusion and appreciated all negative and positive comments. The person who posted the picture apologized by saying his action was rude and ignorant. By not reacting with hate, but with empathy- by not attaching the perpetrator or reacting with violence, she cemented a presumptive divide. An episode that could have spiraled into bitterness and rage became one of reconciliation and understanding. Instead of two wrongs making a right she offended an alternative mode of engagement to a perceived insult. In religion especially trivial opinion is often viewed as a threat and believers respond with savage ferocity spewing re- circulated venom at each other. By recognizing the legitimacy of the other sides’ right to hold an opinion, it is possible to defuse issues which escalate into violence and destruction. Beneath the delicate charm of grace lurks the steely power of peace.