Addressing violence

Opinion

Oct. 7, 2023; Sept. 11, 2001: two dates to describe events, are now burned into the memories of the western mind when terrorism thrust itself again into our collective consciences. I am reminded of the incomprehensible frailty of the human condition, our seeming unwillingness to challenge our own complicities, and the paucity of our collective moral imaginations to confront violence.

Jurgen Habermas, world-renowned philosopher and social critic, in Philosophy in a Time of Terror distinguishes between unlawful (illegal) and structured (quasi-legal) violence. The first form, terrorism, which by its very nature, can never achieve a legitimate political end, it makes no pretenses about its goals of devastation, retaliation and fear by means of arbitrary, vicious disregard toward life.

Habermas does admit we do not label structured violence as illegal — examples being unconscionable social inequality, degrading discrimination, pauperization and marginalization — and I would add environmental degradation. Nevertheless, these do not explain, or justify, terrorist outbreaks.

Not only totalitarian regimes, but also democracies, are hugely implicated in the atrocities which mark our times — by our tacit support of the “lawful” violence of wars, and by our uncritical loyalty to perpetrators of violence, and with our self-imposed silences. Particularly troubling is the fact greater violence is supported by both the political left and right as an appropriate response to earlier violence, suggesting that somehow a greater good will emerge from a greater evil, something I would consider delusional.

Terrorism does not wilt under retaliatory attacks — rather it seems to gain more energy and strength from attempts to eliminate it — consider Hezbollah, the Houthis of Yemen, ISIS and numerous African groups. The U.S., as a world leader and power broker, is hugely implicated in perpetuating violence at home and abroad.

Many Americans want to turn a blind eye to their role in global conflicts by favouring loyalty over justice. Some want to dismiss the fact Donald Trump encouraged violent insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021 — another date as the name for an event — and now seeks presidential immunity as in legalized violence.

More frightening is the rhetoric of violence now being supported by many in the Republican ranks. In a recent speech, in her run for Senate, Kari Lake declared, “We are going to put on the armour of God. And maybe a Glock on the side of us, just in case.” Fascist violence glorified.

As an educator, I am now worried more than ever that our children are learning that violence and retaliation are normal, acceptable, sometimes inevitable responses to a myriad of situations.

Also, think of the almost daily shootings and knife attacks in Winnipeg. Think of the epidemic of violence in schools toward teachers. Think of school shootings which, by the way, have about as much hope for any positive outcome as terrorism does. Think about adolescent fights captured on social media and circulated. Think about the insults and intimidation rampant on social media. Think of the sectarian hatred worldwide. Children are exposed to and surrounded by violence at every turn. And teachers in some U.S. states are now scheduled to take mandatory training prior to carrying concealed weapons in their schools and classrooms.

The unencumbered violence which persists in the world mostly unchecked is a failure of our moral imaginations and collective humanity. Terrorism can never be rationalized and justified. Neither can the brutality and destruction which occurs under the banner of defence, or even so-called just wars. Neither can the violence of hatred and intimidation. Violence, no matter its forms, origins or victims, is always terror and only begets more violence.

In my naïve idealism and optimism, I think I do understand those of us who live in democracies must ask our political leaders, like we ask our children, to “take a deep breath and think before you act,” imagining and pursuing non-violent responses to international and nationalistic conflicts rather than promoting and waging wars around the world. We must demand from them the courage to stand alone for human solidarity if necessary — against unrestrained and reckless violence — instead of blindly following the lead of the U.S. and other warmongers.

We must continue to teach our children by our words and actions that violence is not an acceptable response to aggressions, fears or wants. We must continue to teach our children restitution instead of retaliation. Let’s not pretend that remaining silent in the face of this current and ongoing epidemic of violence is either democratic or helpful!

John R. Wiens is dean emeritus at the faculty of education, University of Manitoba.