…give peace a chance
Last week we celebrated Gandhi’s birthday. October 9 is the birthday of another international icon of peace and nonviolence: John Lennon. Both men were models of moral engagement.
Moral engagement means acting on the basis of principled moral arguments, “telling it like it is” (speaking truth to power), identifying better alternatives than violence, accepting responsibility, attending to the negative consequences of violence, and exonerating or pardoning and humanizing those whom you are told to hate.
All of these themes echo dramatically in Lennon’s music.
- Principled moral arguments: Imagine
- Telling it like it is: Working class hero
- Identifying better alternatives: Give peace a chance
- Accepting responsibility: Happy Christmas (War is over)
- Exonerating or pardoning the victim: Attica State
To hear about the roots of this great proponent of world peace, listen to his song “Mother,” a story of the deprivation and loss that colored his early years.
To see the art that is also part of Lennon’s heritage, visit the exhibit of his work in New York City on October 11-14.
To hear Yoko Ono’s message to her husband on his 70th birthday, watch this video.
And finally, learn about efforts to create an annual John Lennon holiday.
Kathie Malley-Morrison, Professor of Psychology