Six IN-PERSON sessions March 18, 25, April 1, 8, 15, 22 3:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. While you are watching TV or walking through a store or driving in traffic or looking at children playing or reading Facebook pages – do you ever ask yourself: “Why are people so mean to one another?” Do we blame the callousness and viciousness we see so often today on social media, reality TV shows, or the population explosion? Maybe our politicians are to blame? Maybe changes in our society due to more cultural variety? There are likely a number of factors that contribute to this perceived shift in how people behave. This class will be a discussion of the nature of these factors, how we might have gotten here, and where we might be headed. Robert Powers has been teaching BULLI courses since the mid-1990s. With a BS in chemistry from Wofford College, Master of Divinity (Honors) from Emory University, and a PhD in biochemistry and biostatistics from the Medical University of South Carolina, Dr Powers has served as a medical researcher and professor on the faculties of Harvard Medical School, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Yale College of Medicine, and the University of North Georgia. As a clergyman, he pastored for over 20 years in the United Methodist Church and is now priest at St Francis of Assisi Anglican Catholic Church in Gainesville. In addition, he is presently the Georgia Wing Chaplain for the Civil Air Patrol (US Air Force Auxiliary) and is bass player in a jazz band. Robert and Janet have been married for over 50 years, and he has taught several BULLI courses with his son. He only plays golf so he can go to lunch afterwards.