Several years ago, during a family discussion about war, my mother asked me where I stood on war. I am opposed to war on the grounds: “Thou shall not kill!” This edict underpins Abrahamic traditions guiding Judeo-Christian and Islamic faiths. It is a central premise is central to the universal Golden Rule. Who suffers? Inevitably, it is the weakest, the most vulnerable.
I used an activity with students to demonstrate the difference between cultures of war and peace. I asked for words to describe a culture of war. Usually, the list was short; maybe 10-12 words and phrases. When I asked for words to describe a culture of peace, the list was long and students did not struggle to find new words. The conversation often went for an hour or so.
Despite this, we struggle to find peace. In today’s high tech world, we no longer need to be physically present to attack. It can be done via computer commands ordering pilotless aircraft and rockets launched from distance.
Child sitting–
Unable to shed tears;
Shivering–
Cold, wet,
Fragile, weak;
Hungering for reprieve.
Despairing amidst carnage–
Seeking refuge;
Finding only chaos–
From distant places,
Raining down hell;
From heavens that should protect.
School yard bullies–
Feigning courage;
Kicking those already down–
Seeing no human face,
No suffering,
Lacking care, compassion.
Humans seeking true courage–
Begging, imploring;
Returning to good senses–
Leaving behind,
Wanton, senseless,
Violence, death!
I chose this video, because it shows the outcomes of zero-sum situations and how we fool ourselves there has to be winners and losers.
ivonprefontaine