College Essay # 204

204. How can a person get along with their enemy?

When John F. Kennedy was assassinated, it was a big shock to many. He was a man destined to bring change into the country? How could he possibly have been hated by anyone? Growing up, my grandfather would talk about what an amazing man he was. Recently, while watching the Discovery Channel, I came across a documentary on John F. Kennedy. During his funeral, his wife decided that she wanted to talk through the roads of Washington to the burial site. The officials on duty that day could not possibly allow her to walk out on the roads by herself, while the killer was still out there. So, they decided to escort her and the corpse of the famous JFK to his burial grounds.

While the investigation was going on with the guy who allegedly killed JFK, the suspect was shot as well. Someone out of the crowd, I think it was one of the officials himself, who shot that man, point blank. If you are someone like the man out of the crowd, then I don’t think it is very possible for you to get along with an enemy. But you can tell yourself that you have the courage Mrs. Kennedy had to walk out open armed like that, then you’ve come to the right place.

Making an enemy, I feel, doesn’t take much. But what really defines an enemy? Is it someone you despise, or is it someone that despises you, or is it both?  Whatever the case, I’m usually the type who tries to steer clear of my enemy. I try to associate with them on a minimal level. I try not to associate with an enemy. I don’t just make enemies for the hell of it; there are always reasons as to why you don’t “get along with someone.” When I read this question, this was what my initial answer was going to be. But after watching the documentary shown on TV, my perspective changed.

I think one of the best ways to learn to get along with an enemy is to show them that you are not affected by his or her hatred towards you or your hatred towards them. The best way is to go on with life as you choose. There are some people, someone I used to be as well, who would plan all the ways to get back at my enemy. I was that man from the crowd. Sometimes I feel like that me is still present. But I’m different as a person now, and I know that holding back on grudges and all the what-she-saids are not going to get me anywhere. Instead, it’s just going to be back at square one, once again. Acknowledge that these enemies are present in your life, but learn to understand that enemies will be enemies, and your life is not going to stop because of them.

Some enemies will taunt you. Don’t lose yourself in the vengeance. Some will give you the evil eye. Don’t lose yourself in the vengeance. Some will try to harm you. Don’t lose yourself in the vengeance.

Just learn to look the other way and show them that you are not affected.