VIOLENCE IS THE LAST REFUGE OF THE INCOMPETENT

 



“State calls its own violence - Law;

but, that of the individual - Crime.”

Max Stirner

 

My friends and relatives may hold different viewpoints from those of mine on social, political, religious, cultural issues. My spouse and son may hold opposing views… My students, my colleagues, my neighbours – it’s the same everywhere… which means, I cannot expect you to think – and view the world – exactly as I do…

In a democractic society, each one of us has this privilege of harbouring and expressing his/her respective viewpoints; and, that puts equal responsibility on each one of us to be patient with each other – to accommodate, tolerate and respect each one’s rights…

I think, it is one of the hardest lessons each individual has to learn and practice… Just be patient with others, be more tolerant and accommodating. It’s okay if others – however near and dear they are – do not agree with my viewpoints… Let them feel free to express and assert. It doesn’t make me any weaker or smaller when they hold and express opposing views… and, even, win the arguments…

Disagreement is the bedrock of democracy…

Then, what makes us resort to physical violence?

Our anger – is it the same as our hatred?

No. Anger and hatred are different. If I am angry at a certain situation, or on someone’s behaviour, I should learn to muster courage to express it, no matter what its consequences will be.  Violence comes from a different place… It’s not courage; it’s cowardice. Isaac Asimov puts its rightly:


“Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent.”





Charlie Kirk, the young social media (rightwing) influencer and a close ally of President Trump was shot dead, two days ago, as he was addressing students inside a university campus. Now, it’s not the question of whether I am Charlie Kirk’s follower or opponent – whether I agree or disagree with his views… the question to me, today, is: Is killing him was the way to express one’s disagreement?

Charlie Kirk is not the first public figure to be assassinated… There were many before him and there will be many after him. Therefore, let’s stop judging and justifying, standing on any of the two sides… Violence and brute force, from whichever side they come, are just blinding… Just cowardice…

Frankly, I hadn’t heard about Charlie Kirk till I heard about his assassination. That’s when I came across videos carrying his strong views with extraordinary conviction… and realized why it was not easy for many of his opponents to exercise more tolerance. I am sharing two videos here… Look, how Sen. Bernie Sanders – an experienced and widely respected politician -  reacts to his Charlie Kirk’s killing…






The next time someone disagrees with me – the way Charlie with this video did – I would only remind myself, that is okay…

 

GERALD D’CUNHA


Pic’s: Pixabay

Videos: 1. Charlie Kirk  2. Sen. Bernie Sanders

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