Passive violence (consciously/unconsciously)
- hate
- prejudice
- discrimination
- oppression
- name-calling
- teasing
- looking down on people
- speaking to people impolitely
- classifying people by their religion, their economic standing, their gender, their habits
- apathy
- ignoring the plight of people
- withholding love
- and millions of other ways our ACTION or INACTION hurt and create economic, social, environmental imbalance that generates anger
“Passive violence is, therefore, the fuel that ignites physical violence, so, logically, if we want to put an end to physical violence we have to cut-off the fuel supply.” —Arun Gandhi
Physical Violence
- Assault
- Killings
- Beatings
- Murders
- Wars
- Rape
- Abuse
- Suicide
“Over 70 percent of the violence that plagues human societies everywhere is the result of the abuse of anger. Anger is an important emotion that plays a significant role in our lives and yet we have ignored it totally.” —Arun Gandhi
Systemic violence
- Homelessness
- Joblessness
- Poverty
- Hunger
- Inadequate healthcare
- Inadequate education
- Discrimination
- Over-consumption…
Peace is not just the absence of violence…
It is the means by which we resolve the effects of violence. It is the strategy whereby we enable ourselves and others to fulfill each of our deepest human needs that can contribute to the conditions of violence. It is a conscious decision and willingness to place one’s efforts towards creative answers and methods.
Peace is active, living, breathing and expressing: joy, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, harmony, connection, community, inclusion, gratitude, and innocence.
Handout attachment: A Lesson in Peace & Nonviolence.pdf