Today is International Day of Peace (what, it wasn’t on your calendar?!). People like me resolve conflicts and advance peace for a living, but I bet you didn’t think there’s much that you, a well-informed but otherwise ordinary citizen, can do to bring on world peace. Of course, the big peace decisions are made by big policy makers–presidents and prime ministers, military leaders and diplomats. Still, just as you and I can make day-to-day decisions that have an impact on the environment (reduce use of fossil fuels, recycle, take transit…), we can make day-to-day decisions that promote durable peace. And right now, when the number of armed conflicts is at a historic high* and polarization is increasing (at least in the US), the need has never been greater. Here are my top tips:
First, remember that what you say has an impact. You probably interact with more people each day than you realize, if you count not just people you’ve seen in person but those you’ve talked to, emailed, texted, or connected with on social media. What you say influences norms–what people think is acceptable or not. And norms influence whether people will support violence. So…
Second, remember your enemies are still human when you speak about them or to them. I know, you think you don’t have enemies. But you probably can think of people–perhaps the other political party, perhaps the government, or big business, or the rich, the corrupt, the police, the rioters, or whoever–who you think are totally wrong. Maybe they are, but if you ever refer to them as animals or say that violence is the only language they’ll understand, you’re implying it’s OK to harm them. That kind of dehumanizing rhetoric, amplified over time and space, contributes to actual violence.
Third, advocate passionately for fairness and justice. Are you surprised I said that? Acknowledging your enemies are human doesn’t mean being neutral on everything. There’s a lot of injustice in this world, and if people who are suffering don’t see a peaceful way to change it, they’ll start entertaining violent ways to change it. So get loud, and let people who are being mistreated know that you’ve got their backs.
As you advocate, though, stick to peaceful means. In a democracy, we’re lucky to have lots of these: the political system, the legal system, the media, strikes and boycotts, nonviolent protests, and more. Using violence detracts from your credibility and alienates potential allies. Glorious ends don’t justify violent means–violence just gives others more reasons to hate and discount your cause.
Learn to engage in respectful debate. I’m concerned Americans are forgetting how to do this. Remember, the people who disagree with you aren’t necessarily stupid, brainwashed, or evil. They may just have different values. They may also be ill-informed… but you may be too. This is where debate and dialogue come in: be open to actually learning something.
Finally, ask your elected officials to do the same. Vote for (and campaign for and donate to) leaders who will mind the impact of their words, remember their enemies are human, work tirelessly for fairness and justice, promote and respond to peaceful means, and engage in respectful debate. We need problem solvers in our governments, not inciters of hate and division.
What other ideas do you have?
- Although the number of casualties due to armed conflict is trending downward
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