Hereditary Hatred?

“The things two people do to each other they remember. If they stay together, it’s not because they forget; it’s because they forgive.” – Demi Moore / Indecent Proposal

The war between the two races of UNDERTOW I saw as a question of whether hate could be passed from one generation to the next, through centuries (and whether Eila and Raef could overcome such a hurdle). We, as members of the non-supernatural world, know the definitive answer is a resounding, unfortunate “yes.” The examples are so plentiful, it is a miracle the human race has made it as far as it has. Within ever micro-war of hatred, however, there are always a few souls who reach across the divide in peace, denying the venom of hatred entrance into their hearts. My grandfather, an Iwo Jima marine at 17, was one such soul.

As a child, I listened to the many stories he would tell – amazing tales, filled with both bravery and humor and most of all, forgiveness. As a young marine and a talented artist, he wrote hundreds of letters home, all illustrated on the envelopes. His sister kept them and many are now part of the WWII Museum in New Orleans. I kept copies of each and every one.

The idea of war, and being able to forgive the Japanese despite what he saw, stayed with me. While so many people lumped the Japanese together as one, hated force, he saw them as individuals, never blaming them for the choices of their superiors.

That idea provided the world in which Eila and her friends, including her beloved Raef, would find themselves. A war between ancient enemies with a few, dedicated characters that were brave enough to reach across the divide in friendship.