Rethinking Violence: A Humanitarian Call to Action

Violence, as a recurring theme in human history, is deeply embedded in the cultural and political fabric of many nations—including the United States. From the race riots in Los Angeles to the brutal legacy of apartheid in South Africa, we see a pattern: grievances are often met not with dialogue, but with destruction. This tendency is not confined to one region. Countries such as Russia, Israel, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and many others have witnessed similar cycles of violence, often rooted in ideological, ethnic, or political divisions.

At the heart of this global issue lies a troubling belief: that disagreement must be eradicated rather than understood. Eliminating opposition will lead to a more harmonious society. Yet history offers no evidence to support this notion. As Mahatma Gandhi famously said, “An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind” (Gandhi, as cited in Dalton, 1993). This philosophy underscores the futility of retaliatory violence and calls for a more compassionate approach to conflict resolution.

A Snapshot of Modern Tragedy

On September 11th in Colorado Springs, a 16-year-old student opened fire at a high school, critically injuring two classmates. Reports suggest the act was influenced by a radicalized group. That same day, political activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during an event on a college campus in Utah—another incident allegedly fueled by political extremism.

These events are not anomalies. They are part of a disturbing trend that challenges the notion that we are living in a more enlightened era. Political violence, ideological extremism, and social fragmentation continue to plague our communities. The visceral reality is clear: we are not evolving past violence—we are recycling it.

The Humanitarian Imperative

To move forward, we must begin to see each other not as labels or ideological opponents, but as fellow human beings. This shift requires intentional effort and a commitment to empathy, understanding, and shared humanity.

Here are actionable steps individuals can take to begin dismantling violent tendencies and fostering a more peaceful society:

🔍 Self-Reflection

• Practice regular introspection to identify personal biases and emotional triggers.

• Ask: “Why do I feel threatened by opposing views?” and “What assumptions am I making?”

🗣️ Engage in Meaningful Dialogue

• Seek conversations with people who hold different perspectives.

• Approach discussions with curiosity rather than defensiveness.

📚 Educate Yourself

• Read literature grounded in evidence and historical context (e.g., works by James Baldwin, Desmond Tutu, or bell hooks).

• Study conflict resolution models and peace-building frameworks (e.g., Lederach, 1997).

📵 Limit Social Media Consumption

• Reduce exposure to echo chambers and inflammatory content.

• Follow diverse, credible sources and avoid algorithm-driven outrage.

🧘‍♀️ Practice Emotional Regulation

• Learn techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or journaling to manage anger and stress.

• Consider therapy or counseling to unpack deeper emotional wounds.

🌍 Volunteer or Participate in Community Initiatives

• Join local organizations focused on restorative justice, youth mentorship, or intercultural dialogue.

• Support policies and leaders that prioritize nonviolence and reconciliation.

🧠 Promote Critical Thinking

• Encourage others to question narratives that dehumanize or oversimplify complex issues.

• Teach children and students to value empathy and ethical reasoning.

A Call to Conscience

The senseless killings and political unrest we witness—both in headlines and in silence—demand more than outrage. They require introspection, education, and collective action. We must challenge the violent reflexes embedded in our national and global identities and replace them with a commitment to humanity.

As Americans, and as global citizens, we are called to confront our violent tendencies not with shame, but with resolve. The path forward is not paved with silence or vengeance—it is built through understanding, compassion, and the courage to change.

References

Dalton, D. (1993). Mahatma Gandhi: Nonviolent power in action. Columbia University Press.

Lederach, J. P. (1997). Building peace: Sustainable reconciliation in divided societies. United States Institute of Peace Press.