V-J Day – Engaging Peace

You probably know what V-E Day and V-J Day are—they commemorate victory in Europe and victory in Japan at the end of World War II. But it is simply V-Day that may prove to be more important in the long run.

V-Day represents a global movement to end violence against women and girls. It works on a grassroots level to raise consciousness, change laws, fund rape crisis centers and domestic violence shelters, and educate people in more than 140 countries from A (America) to Z (Zambia).

You can help. Plan ahead. February 14, 2013, is not just Valentine’s Day. It is the 15th anniversary of the V-Day movement. Organizers are asking one billion women and girls—and those who love them–to participate in One Billion Rising.

Check out their site and this video to learn more and become involved.

The theme for February 14 is “Strike, dance, rise in your community, and demand an end to violence.” In our January 21, 2013, post, we provided some facts and figures regarding violence against women. There’s lots more to learn and lots to do.

Also available in our January 21 post was a link to a video featuring the anthem,“Break the chain,” of the One Billion Rising movement. If you would like to learn the Break the Chain dance, you can do so. Invite some friends over, clear away the furniture, and click on “Learn the steps to break the chain.” It will get your endorphins going and it will be a great way to participate in the Season of Nonviolence.

Kathie Malley-Morrison, Professor of Psychology

On Friday, just a little more than a year since President Obama declared an end to the U.S. combat role in Iraq, the President announced that the last American troops in Iraq will be gone by January 1.

V-J Day celebration in Times Square (Photo in public domain)

The war in Iraq will effectively, finally, be over, he says–the longed-for goal of most Americans.

When President Truman declared the complete end of World War II on August 15, 1945 (V-J Day), American citizens went wild; office buildings emptied out; there was dancing (and kissing) in the streets.

The world was safe for democracy; fascism had been defeated. Joy abounded.

The WWII troops came home not just to countless celebrations but to the GI bill, with its new opportunities for education, job training, and home ownership.

What will be the aftermath to the end of the Iraq war? Will the troops come home to enthusiastic receptions and opportunities that they tried to earn through their service to their country?

Will the troops stay home or be redeployed to Afghanistan? Is the war really over for them?

Will the ever-growing financial costs for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, always visible in our sidebar, start decreasing, or will the costs in Afghanistan increase more than the costs in Iraq decrease?

Will any money saved by ending the occupation of Iraq help the recently recognized 99% of the population, including our veterans, service personnel, teachers, doctors, social workers, laborers, etc., find jobs, safeguard their health, and keep their homes?

What will it take to make people feel good again about being Americans? What will it take to make the US safe for democracy and a beacon of justice and fairness? Please send us your ideas.

And if you want to be inspired, read some of the stories at 7billionactions.org of people making a difference. Add your own story there and here. We all count.

Kathie Malley-Morrison, Professor of Psychology

What is V-Day?

Ending the Iraq war?