Title: How to demonstrate power without using Violence

Topic: Being a peacemaker



Relation: Week 16 Discussion  "Violence"

Source: "Teaching American History" http://teachingamericanhistory.org/library/document/the-power-of-non-violence/, "Gandhi's Non-Violence" http://www.socialchangenow.ca/mypages/gandhi.htm

Description: The article, "The Power of Non-Violence" written by Martin Luther King, Jr., tells us how to become a speaker of justice and not use violence. In the article it says that "the nonviolent resister does not seek to humiliate or defeat the opponent but to win his friendship and understanding." It tells about how the aftermath of nonviolence is reconciliation and that the goal is to have a community that is more intertwined with one another and now is able to see the other persons point of view. Martin Luther King, Jr. also talk about how he is only proud to be "maladjusted" when it come to segregation and discrimination. He states that he never intended to adjust himself to the tragic effects of the methods of physical violence and to tragic militarism. Martin Luther King, Jr. asked for others to do the same thing and not turn their head or ignore these things that would make others feel discriminated against.


The article, "Gandhi's Non-Violence" recalls of a time when Gandhi demonstrated non-violence. Gandhi was another leader in non-violence. On April 6, 1930, Gandhi arrived at a coastal village of Dandi, India and gathered salt. He had been traveling 241 miles on foot to get to this village. Gathering of salt was illegal under British colonial rule of India. Many people followed Gandhi's example and gathered and produced salt illegally. The poilce became violent against the people. The salt march was a stepping stone that lead to India's independence from Britain. The march was a demonstration of non-violence.


Analysis: I think that the best way for people to communicate is by sitting down in an environment that is comfortable for each party. The best way to have an argument is to let the other person state their concerns and then address those concerns with valid clear answers. If we start with our selves then we will set the example for generations to come that speaking and be compassionate is the only way to help the world become a better place to live in.