http://www.gandhiinstitute.org/Libra...LibraryID=2245
From Arun Ghandi
"just as we are required to create a whole culture of violence around us to practice violence we need to create a culture of nonviolence around us to practice nonviolence". ...Uh... say what? We are not to indulge a bit of violence for the sake of education or experience, we are
required to create
a whole culture of violence around us to
practice violence... Please explain this to me... If it is a reference to a simple dualistic belief in balance, the yin yan push me pull you explanation of necessary negativity, I get it. If you can elaborate from there, please do...
"The fact is it is not violence that is our true nature but anger, the fuel that generates violence... the culture of violence is based on the need to control by fear" ...Anger? Why? So, its natural to be steaming, on edge and driven to relentlessly resist?... Fear is a tool we can control with, it is easily abused, dangerous and efficient. It some times is justified, warning of pain, but It is by no means the only tool, the best tool or by any stretch,
needed.
"He told us anger is like electricity – just as powerful and useful when used intelligently, but as destructive and deadly when abused." ..Again, anger at what? Lack of control?
"However, the intention should not be simply to get the anger out of one’s system but to find an equitable solution to the problem that caused the anger. A problem nipped in the bud saves a lot of grief."...Gee, ya don't say.
"passive violence: Hate, predjudice, opression, name-calling, teasing, looking down on people, speaking to people impolitely,...and the millions of other ways in which our actions or even inaction hurt people." ...damn, criticizing this is violent. Ya got me Ghandi... but so is not criticizing it...
where's a rock to crawl under... (by the way, a tree falling unwitnessed in a forest is noisy)
"Passive violence is, therefore, the fuel that ignites physical violence" ...we got short fuses, hair-triggers, no clue why and got a culture of violence to create to play in. er, practice in.
"In a world steeped in the culture of violence justice has come to mean revenge – an eye for an eye, Gandhiji said, only makes the whole world blind. In a culture of nonviolence justice would mean reformation by recognizing that those who do wrong do it out of ignorance or attenuating circumstances. Punishing the person instead of resolving the problem only aggravates physical violence in the form of crime and violence." ...out of ignorance. One of the Greatest false justifications to dull this planet... Nothing but an
excuse. The last bad thing you did, you knew better. Thats what made it bad. True ignorance is innocent and we are neither... Restraing a violent person, how ever tenderly, will feel like punishment to them. Vengence isn't ours to dole out. The responsibility to redeem trumps it...
Here's another way to look at it: Violence is intentional destructive force. Like all things, it can be used for good or bad. It is a desperate tool, intended to be a last resort. ... I do not believe our true nature is of violence, depravity, evil or some alien anger. I believe we are inherently weak and the anger at that perhaps is where this text stops. They are two very different things. Anger, like violence, has its place. At my core is ridiculous.
I am boggled by the thoughts here and dismayed by how little I agree with them at the outset, and in crucial, (dare I say, Fundemental) ways.. I presume looking further into the MLK lessons may clarify some of these statements, but I do not seek out thier understanding, I seek yours... Any help?
(I do apologize for any abruptness. I have been fighting an ulcer the past few days and haven't been in the mood for small talk. (or any talk) I just couldn't let this thread slide buy. My questions are done with genuine respect for all you guys.)