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To transform conflict, it is necessary not merely to re-humanize the other but to actively commit to peace while acknowledging the inevitability of conflict. Consequently, pacifism, non-violence and alternative means of conflict resolution need to be taught to young people constantly surrounded by a discourse of violence. Non-military community service on the lines of the Peace Corps may be considered at various levels.
However, we live in a system that systematically teaches violence. The baggage of exclusionary national identities weighs us down. The family, community and media perpetuate barrages of negative images.
Adults, including educators and parents, carry their own prejudices. And the very act of dialogue with the other is sometimes construed as betrayal. We have to find innovative means of addressing these problem areas if we are serious about teaching peace to the next generation.
These very real problems are indicators of the enormity of the task ahead. But to transform conflict into sustainable peace, we must necessarily evolve from solely managing/resolving conflict after it has exploded in our faces to a transformed state of awareness that all humans have equal rights to full and satisfying lives. Promoting cultural, ethical and peace literacy and initiating ‘multi-loges’ could be significant steps in this direction. Of course, attitudinal change through formal and informal peace building strategies cannot be brought about in a few years or even a decade. Even with a long-term vision, many in the post 9/11 and Gulf War II world consider it naive to think that we can in fact transform conflict into positive peace by merely teaching about and for peace.
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Anupama Sekhar
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Comments
This is a goal to struggle for Malainin Lakhal | Dec 29th, 2003
I carefully read your article, and I believe that it is about an unteresting and necessary issue that we should discuss and try to find ways to make it a goal.
It is necessary in fact to hundle the question of civilisational contacts and interaction ourselves as human beings and as citizens, and never rely on politicians nor on 'prophets' of conflicts and clush to lead humanity to distraction and chaos.
Once again, it is an important issue that should be developed and discussed.
Malainin
This is a goal to struggle for Malainin Lakhal | Dec 29th, 2003
I carefully read your article, and I believe that it is about an unteresting and necessary issue that we should discuss and try to find ways to make it a goal.
It is necessary in fact to hundle the question of civilisational contacts and interaction ourselves as human beings and as citizens, and never rely on politicians nor on 'prophets' of conflicts and clush to lead humanity to destruction and chaos.
Once again, it is an important issue that should be developped and discussed.
Malainin
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