Violent videos and imagery have become unfortunately commonplace online. While free speech debates exist, research suggests this content can normalize violence, increase aggressive tendencies, and otherwise propagate harm. However, reacting with outrage may further entrench divisions. Instead, we must seek understanding, work to rectify injustices, and meet violence with nonviolence.
The Wounds Left by Violence
Experiencing or witnessing violence leaves deep psychological wounds and trauma among victims and perpetrators alike. Without intervention, those wounds may propagate cycles of further violence over generations.
However, many victims become the strongest voices for peace and redemption. For example, actor Patrick Stewart has spoken openly about experiencing domestic violence as a child, and now advocates for the prevention of violence against women. We all have a duty to have compassion for one another and display moral courage, even in the face of injustice.
Societal Factors Behind Violent Acts
Oppression, inequality, lack of economic and educational opportunities, and absence of community support systems often indirectly fuel violent acts. By building connections between divided communities and lifting each other up through mentorship, education, counseling, and economic development programs, we can work to rectify these root injustices.
For example, activist groups like Cure Violence treat violence like an epidemic disease, working within vulnerable communities to detect conflicts early, intervene, and change social norms. Such programs have reduced shootings and killings by as much as 40-70% in areas plagued by violence. We too can get involved in these efforts.
Meet Violence with Nonviolence
Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. proved the superior power of nonviolent civil disobedience in the face of oppression. As MLK Jr. expressed, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
We all have a duty to understand each other, to lift each other up, and to meet violence with an unwavering commitment to nonviolence. The path is not easy, but necessary. With open and forgiving hearts, moral courage, and positive action focused on restorative justice and redemption, we can build the world we wish to see, one person at a time.
The seeds are there. Organizations like the Nonviolent Peaceforce have successfully intervened to reduce violence in war zones through unarmed civilian peacekeeping. Other groups leverage street outreach, counseling, education, community development, and conflict mediation to reduce violence in vulnerable communities. We too can get trained in the tactics of nonviolent intervention.
A Call for Connection
Behind sensational violent acts are wounded human beings and complex societal failings. Reactively spreading graphic content further propagates harm. Instead, we must try to understand root causes and apply restorative justice. We each have a role to play through compassionate listening, bridge-building, mentorship, advocacy and meeting oppression with unwavering nonviolence.
There are no easy answers, but many possible paths forward. What role will you play? How can we lift each other up? I invite you to connect and share your thoughts below.