2003-03-29

 
By Way of Peace & Activism.
Today I pondered what one is to do in this world, once conscious of the conundrums of civilization. I had an argument with a fellow about peace and protesting. He felt that according to Ghandi, all one needs to do is lead an exemplary life of noncontradiction regarding peace. He felt that "screaming protesters" were only aiding to the true causes of war (antagonism and the unbalance of morality). I disagree only in that one needs to go out and communicate with the world. While meditating in the street is a powerful statement of what our world should be like, it is marginalizing the left from the greater society. I believe that we need to endorse a path of peace and creation, avoiding destructive and violent methods of action and communication. Yet we cannot be selfish in our peacefulness. We must look into the hate and grapple with it, not run away from it. I am not asking for individuals to fight back, unless with words and ideas. Communication is the only war or weapon that is wonderful.
posted by MM 11:21 PM