-Emily Burke
This morning, March 13th, 2014, we went to a nonviolence workshop in Selma, Alabama with the Freedom Foundation. I really enjoyed getting to learn in an interactive environment. The reverend didn’t simply talk on and on. He got us moving around and working in groups. We were able to learn more about each other, and understanding others is a big part of nonviolence.
When I was younger I was always taught to Forgive, Love (Understand), and then move forward. I found it interesting that MLK Jr. said to Forgive, Love, and then Change (essentially). I completely understand the importance to change racist ways, but I wanted to learn more about which situations require the Forgive, Love, and Move On and which situations require Forgive, Love, and try to Change.
I wanted to know when it was okay to accept differences and live peacefully. The Reverend said that living with differences is not peace - it is a form of violent peace. (I don't think he fully understood what I was getting at, there has to be times when people can accept differences). I felt that there were many situations where differences are accepted. In my fictional utopia, worlds are different with cultures, religions, beliefs, customs, and traditions, but they accept their differences and live together - maybe in nearby neighborhoods. He said yes, it is fine to accept differences when there is no violence (emotional or physical) is involved which is why it is acceptable to have different and separate religions. I can understand that.
This morning, March 13th, 2014, we went to a nonviolence workshop in Selma, Alabama with the Freedom Foundation. I really enjoyed getting to learn in an interactive environment. The reverend didn’t simply talk on and on. He got us moving around and working in groups. We were able to learn more about each other, and understanding others is a big part of nonviolence.
When I was younger I was always taught to Forgive, Love (Understand), and then move forward. I found it interesting that MLK Jr. said to Forgive, Love, and then Change (essentially). I completely understand the importance to change racist ways, but I wanted to learn more about which situations require the Forgive, Love, and Move On and which situations require Forgive, Love, and try to Change.
I wanted to know when it was okay to accept differences and live peacefully. The Reverend said that living with differences is not peace - it is a form of violent peace. (I don't think he fully understood what I was getting at, there has to be times when people can accept differences). I felt that there were many situations where differences are accepted. In my fictional utopia, worlds are different with cultures, religions, beliefs, customs, and traditions, but they accept their differences and live together - maybe in nearby neighborhoods. He said yes, it is fine to accept differences when there is no violence (emotional or physical) is involved which is why it is acceptable to have different and separate religions. I can understand that.