Tag: activism

May Pete rest in peace

Posted on by kathiemm

Peace and social justice are what Pete Seeger tirelessly worked for and sang for throughout his life.

Seeger was the consummate activist, hounded by the FBI because he would not name names during Senator Joseph McCarthy’s reign as Chief Bully of the United States.

We should remember that terrifying reign well today, as we see once again how Big Brother’s henchmen can threaten all who support world peace and social justice.

The video at the beginning of this post highlights many of the causes to which he dedicated his life.

Pete’s songs have inspired and engaged people around the world on behalf of peace and justice. One internet site has versions of his songs in 33 different languages. His grandson carries on his tradition.

We cannot fill his shoes but we can follow in his footsteps.

Kathie Malley-Morrison, Professor of Psychology

The power of one

Posted on by kathiemm

This year’s winner of the Nobel Peace Prize is a well-deserving intergovernmental organization—the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The OPCW works in collaboration with the United Nations to administer the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWP).

As of January 2013, the OPCW had overseen the destruction of nearly 80% of the world’s acknowledged stockpile of chemical weapons. As I write, it has a team in Syria, working to dismantle that country’s chemical weapons in the middle of a bloody civil war.

As I read the history of their work, I am fascinated. When I think of the bravery of their workers in Syria, and contemplate the potential of their efforts for peace in the Middle East and survival of humanity, I am awed and grateful.

Yet, when I view the video showing their fine exhibits to the public, my thoughts turn immediately to Malala Yousafzai—the Pakistani teenaged girl who was shot twice in the head to punish her for promoting education for girls in a district where they wanted no girls in school.

People around the world were aghast at the effort to assassinate her, prayed for her recovery, and were thrilled to see her nominated for this year’s Nobel Peace Prize—the youngest nominee in the history of the prize.

Malala did not win it this year, though she continues to be recognized for her courage, integrity, activism—and readiness to speak truth to power. When President Obama invited her to the White House “”to thank her for her inspiring and passionate work on behalf of girls education in Pakistan,” she told him she was concerned that “drone attacks are fueling terrorism. Innocent victims are killed in these acts, and they lead to resentment among the Pakistani people.”

President Obama would do well to heed the words of this young woman.

Kathie Malley-Morrison, Professor of Psychology

USA: A culture of violence, Part 3

Posted on by kathiemm

Final in a series by guest author Dr. Tony Marsella

The foreign policies and actions of the U.S. over the past 100 years are rooted in intentions to control and dominate the international order of nations and cultures. These policies and actions have proven destructive to national and global peace, and have served and empowered the interests of a limited number of individuals and groups.  While announced as intentions to bring democracy and freedom, they have too often resulted in occupation, oppression, and repression of human rights.

An obvious result — visible in virtually every nation caught in our efforts – is the costly growth of a vast US network of:

  • Military bases and operations [more than 900 known foreign bases]
  • Massive fortress embassies/consulates
  • Encampments/prisons/death squads
  • Cultural disintegration and decline.

These networks do not promote cooperation and admiration; rather they encourage instability via reflexive protests, insurrections, rebellions, revolutions, and acts of domestic, state, and international terrorism.

All nations act in their own interests. In a global era, however, selfish national interests result in direct and indirect opposition. Nations in which people feel victimized and humiliated by the U.S. consider revenge as just and appropriate. This creates an endless cycle.

Who benefits from the following examples of U.S. foreign policy and actions?

  • Assassinations/death squads/drones,
  • Celebration of national “morality”/necessity of torture
  • Controlling the UN via vetoes
  • Controlling the IMF and World Bank
  • Development of domestic crowd controls (militarization of police)
  • Disproportionate support of “allies” and enemification of others,
  • Glorification of war and militarism
  • Mass surveillance, monitoring, and archiving of data,
  • Massive government/private intelligence security agencies/organizations
  • Media influence and control
  • Promotion of nationalism/pseudo-patriotism
  • Propaganda and promotion of USA exceptionalism
  • Purchase and installation of pro-American leaders and dictators
  • Recruitment of spies, informers, collaborators, agents
  • Vilification of domestic/international critics
  • Weapons/arms dealer/sales

In both of the articles cited below, and in this post, I argue that we are headed for a “dreadful reckoning” (Grieder’s term) if we do not come to an awareness of the many sources and consequences of violence in our lives, particularly the perpetuation of “cultures of violence” that are sources of endless suffering, destruction, and death.

  •  “The United States of America: A Culture of War” (Marsella, A.J. [2012]. International Journal of Intercultural Research, 35, 714-728.
  • “Nonkilling psychology and lifeism” (Marsella, A.J. (2011). In J. Pim & D. Christie (Eds.) Nonkilling Psychology (pp. 361-378). Honolulu, Hi: Center for Global Non-Violence.

The answer resides in the necessity of non-violent activism to prevent violence. This is the timeless answer of every great peacemaker.

Anthony J. Marsella, Ph.D., Emeritus Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Hawaii, November 8, 2012

 

Gratitude on Thanksgiving

Posted on by patdaniel

Today, Thanksgiving Day, 2011, we are thankful that we did not grow up in a country that deals daily with armed conflict on its own territory. We are glad that we have been sheltered from bombs, terror, and torture.

First Thanksgiving at Plymouth by Jennie A. Brownscombe
First Thanksgiving at Plymouth by Jennie A. Brownscombe. Image in public domain

We also are thankful to be activists during an era when activism is growing around the world–activism aimed at ending economic inequality, social injustice, and costly and wasteful wars. We are grateful for the U.S. Bill of Rights and Constitution that protect our rights to activism and free speech.

We are thankful to be part of the 99% who are recognizing that we can have a voice, that we need to speak out against those members of the 1% who have gained so much control over the lives of ordinary peace-loving, justice-seeking people around the world.

We feel a rush of happiness seeing a police captain join the Occupy Wall Street movement and speak out against ruthless militarism in fellow wearers of the badge. (See story and video about retired Philadelphia Police Captain Ray Lewis  arrested at OWS).

We feel pride and intensified optimism when we hear a veteran speak out against the tragic wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere. For example, see the great new essay by Ross Caputi, a frequent contributor to this blog.

Please join us in being grateful for all people of conscience who resist war and other forms of inhumanity. Enjoy the celebration on this video or this one.

And check out the New York Times article about the benefits of gratitude, including mention of a research study showing “…that feeling grateful makes people less likely to turn aggressive when provoked…”  Perhaps gratitude provides a path to world peace.

Finally, we are grateful for you, dear readers of Engaging Peace, for your comments, your stories, your commitment to peace in your own lives and work.

Please submit your own comments about what you are grateful for this Thanksgiving Day.

Kathie Malley-Morrison, Professor of Psychology, and Pat Daniel, Managing Editor of Engaging Peace