If we examine our behaviours over time, I'm sure we all can recognize the propaganda that surrounds war. One of the first things we start doing is to demonize our enemy. By doing so we turn them into an animal or some other lower level, evil entity that then makes it easier for us to justify our attack and violent behaviours. You may be familiar with some of these propaganda techniques.
This was used during World War II to demonize the Japanese as murders, rapers, kid nappers and capable of performing all kinds of horrible and dark atrocities. The problem is that this type of propaganda demonizes ALL people who are Japanese, not just the ones engaged in these types of acts.
How about these 10 cent novels used to depict the American Indian as an enemy who deserves to be stabbed in the heart or even through the back? We all know that the energy of the propaganda runs so deep that it is ingrained into the DNA and multi-generational psyche of some people who hate them to this very day. There are people alive today who still think that the best Indian is a dead Indian.
The energy of propaganda runs deep and we see it as a common way to justify our attacks against our enemies. Now we see it here on steemit as well as people are demonizing their enemies here too!
I hold it to a sign of great prudence in men to refrain alike from threats and from the use of insulting language, for neither of these things deprives the enemy of his power, but the first puts him more on his guard, while the other intensifies his hatred of you and makes him more industrious in devising means to harm you. — Niccolò Machiavelli
I would suggest that we depend on propaganda and the demonetization of our enemy so that we look past the fact that they are our spiritual brothers and sisters. It is easier to put masks on them so that we can feel better about ourselves when we hurt or kill them. But the truth is, it still results in spiritual harm and significant consequences.
We must resist the temptation to demonize one another in order to justify our vial and ugly behaviours. It does not matter if it is the Pope, Queen, government, Jews, Muslims, Blacks, White, Gays, or what ever label you choose to paint. We are all sacred, spiritual beings and as such it demands respect and love.
Bishop John Shelby Spong said it best in his book 'Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism' when he wrote:
The Word of God in Scripture confronts me with the revelation that all human beings are created in God’s image and reflect God’s holiness. All human beings means all human beings … all human beings. Men and women, homosexual persons and heterosexual persons, all races, nationalities, and persons of any ethnic background, all communists and capitalists, rich and poor, old and young, religious and nonreligious, Christians, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, and Hindus, atheists and agnostics – all persons reflect the holiness of God, for all are made in God’s image. How can I enslave, segregate, denigrate, oppress, violate, or victimize one who bears the image of the Holy One? How can one worship the source of being, the great “I AM”, except by having the courage to be the self God created each of us to be? The Christian is the one called so deeply into life, into love, and into being that he or she can say with a Christlike integrity, I AM!
We are all being confronted and we must resist the temptation to engage in evil acts against one another. We must confront our fears and recognize that fear often drives our hate which then leads to suffering. People are suffering and to resolve that suffering requires that we take a step back and confront the fear within us with love, compassion and understanding. I call upon those who beat the war drums and spread propaganda to reflect on what is really going on in your heart.
Imagine how powerful steemit would be if we were able to work through these differences and gain a brother from the other side who is willing to work with us? Imagine how much harm this war is causing steemit as the energy of hate consumes the platform? Is it possible that our own fear manifests that which we fear most, the failure of steemit as a viable platform and cryptocurrency?
Imagine that we are able to overcome here and that we can take those lessons and apply it to the real world and do the same with what is going on with our governments, religions, etc. Is it possible to find peace in our life time? To do that requires that we find peace within first. I've found peace and that is why I will not participate in the war. It is not worth the spiritual costs. But I will participate in peace and confront those who engage in violence, hate, propaganda and war!
I don't need other people to tell me who or what the enemy is.
May peace, freedom, prosperity, joy and love manifest from the darkness in our hearts.
" Is it possible to find peace in our life time? To do that requires that we find peace within first. I've found peace and that is why I will not participate in the war. It is not worth the spiritual costs. But I will participate in peace and confront those who engage in violence, hate, propaganda and war!"
Such powerful words, that you put into action.
Such wise words to live by in all facets of life.
With what i have been going through these past few months, this post resonates through to my core.
Peace is achievable, i have had glimpses of it, in dealing with the violence, coercion, and acts of war.
I am so grateful for like minds and hearts.
Thank you for sharing what is in your heart.
Thank you. I needed to hear that today. I've been accused of 'ostracizing' people due to my ridged boundaries. Removing my steem because people went to war has caused hurt feelings. People do not comprehend the line that I've drawn in my life and why that line is soooooo important. They don't see the violence they engage in either. A simple click of a mouse can result in a tremendous amount of violence.
So while I continue to explore my relationships and work to reconcile them, I will continue to confront people on their actions and behaviours. I have seen significant results from my work and I will not let up on my determination, standards and drive towards peace and freedom.
Many people will react in different ways after their interaction with me. Some will see what I am about, while others will not. I've had to say good bye to many friends over the years because of their unwillingness to find peace. I'm blunt and forthright. I call things the way I see them. I will not apologize for expressing tough love. But it does hurt. I process a lot of pain as I do this work.
I am grateful that some people do see what I'm talking about and recognize the benefits of this work. It is so important and I've felt very much alone in this journey. However, it is starting to feel a bit more comforting knowing that there are others who are starting to see what I see. Thank you my friend. I include you in that list of those with the eyes to see and the ears to hear!
I am in your fellowship as I have just experienced my first accusation of ostracism as a result of keeping a boundary. I feel honored.
Why do abusive people see boundaries as rejection? Because they were taught that "love" is to have no boundaries?
I'm saddened to hear that it has happened to you. I pray that you can see past the covert violence associated with the accusation. To answer your question, yes, I think people do see boundaries as rejection. But it is more than that. Bullies don't like people challenging them as it shows strength. Bullies go after the weak and when people establish boundaries they are no longer weak. So bullies will attack the boundaries, sometimes at all cost, in order to re-establish the status quo. But when people stand their ground, they will move on. It is a tough process but well worth it. Welcome to what real love looks like my friend. Bravo for standing your ground.
I remember many years ago, an elder/ a seer told me that i will walk a very lonely path, that people will not understand. I would have to say at the time, i was angry and thought that was a horrible thing to say.
Looking back, she was absolutely correct, and it wasn't a bad thing. It is just different from what the masses believe, and how we live. I am grateful for living the way that i do. To do that, requires boundaries and the tough love you speak about. I often think of we didn't love so much, it wouldn't wound so badly at times. I tend to be naive. That causes my boundaries to soften, it is a work in progress. Lol
I know i am preaching to the choir. ;)
I truly believe we are networking. The Web of life, peace and freedom.
Well, I suppose ignorance is bliss in my case. But, notwithstanding my personal myopic view, I must say the article is well written and well received. Indeed, this survival instinct of ours to fall to propaganda, to rush to take sides without thought (tribalism), and our lust for blood and dominance must be overcome or we here at Steemit shall lay waste of each other, but on a larger scale will lead to our destruction in the world. Where will our viciousness end? It must end within our own hearts and minds.
Oh, and by the way, when I first started reading this post I thought, "Well hooray, he's going to expose the US/EU rabid propaganda against Russia for what it is: an attempt to sway the public mind against a false demon in preparation for war. The American/EU public is grossly ignorant of the facts in Syria and the Ukraine and is poised to blindly follow, once again, those who manipulate the peasants to rush to arms. If we can't overcome our own ignorance and primal instincts here on Steemit then, well, we'll sow what we have reaped, unfortunately the same will happen in the larger world...we will reap what has been sown...death and destruction.
I could have easily expanded my examples to include modern propaganda as well. However, then I would end up with a post a mile long when printed out. But you got the point and make the connection which is fantastic! Just more examples of the same problem.
I must admit, I really enjoy reading your posts. I love the way you think. You are articulate, a master of the language and a beautiful communicator. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us all. I appreciate your insight, beliefs, thoughts and feelings. Peace to you brother.
Thanks very much for the supportive comments. I love it here on Steemit. I've found a suitable venue for my writing and I find great pleasure in sharing. I must say, however, what I've said before: I appreciate and highly value what you share with us. The pen does find power in your hand.
Highly rEsteemed!
I'm always very influenced by your thoughts. Especially this important connection. I too wish we could convince the "Warriors" to lay down the arms and approach this problem in a different way. But I'm afraid they've run the numbers and the "Battle" is on. Perhaps this post can convince them to be a bit more civil... no?
When you want to hate someone... You'll find 100 proof that makes you hate him.
But when you want to love someone... You'll find 10000000 proof that makes you love him.
Love and hate are the feelings that we control it... but because of our weak, we allow the demon to control our emotions... And Shaytan does not know the meaning of love and peace ..
thank you .. brother @wwf
It is a lot of hard work to keep that demon in check my friend. I've been tempted many times to surrender to him and just go with the flow. Going against the grain to stand on a principle of love, compassion, patience, forgiveness, peace and freedom is TOUGH WORK!
I get tired at times and just want to go away to recoup. I've had to do that over the last few days and only now do I find the strength to even interact with people. Thank you for your support and encouragement. I have noticed and I appreciate it very much!
Fear of the unknown or what we don't understand is often the driver of hate and violence.
So many are unhappy with their lot in life. They are not at peace with themselves and in a feeble attempt to make themselves happy they look for ways to denigrate others.
Violence is all around us. It is up o us to not it run our lives.
I agree my friend. Thank you for answering those questions. I posed them to bring some contemplation within those who choose war and violence. I've found peace within myself but must admit that it is still very difficult and painful to be a witness to it all. So I work hard to process the sadness, pain and sorrow that I experience as I witness what is going on around me. I'm getting rather good at it now.
May peace fill your heart my friend.
Beautiful, elegant and timely. Thank you for these words! To paraphrase a saying that this brings to mind -
"The only thing Nationalism does is teach you to hate people you have never met and take credit for things that you did not take part in"
Hi @wwf, good to see your post. I have been curious of your take on the quest at hand. And, so i appreciate your input while i learn to become non-violent. Isn't in necessary for this quest to be happening? If we believe in the health of the platform as a way to hold our written legacy. Do we not have responsiblility to do what we can to keep things healthy by offering support to those that are brave enough and powerful enough to help make a difference? Since trying to discuss the matter has been ignored. Which i think is the key. To communicate. To understand one another to fulfill unment needs. Carry on in a good way. But, if communication is stonewalled, What else can we do? Prayer yes, definately on it.
Just want us all to thrive!
Jill, if you have been following all my posts, I've proposed solutions, but it requires a leap of faith and people just don't feel comfortable making that leap. People have a hard time seeing what I see and I'm accused of not comprehending or being ignorant. Fear has gripped the hearts of people who fear that their platform and cryptocurrency will be consumed by greedy people. This same fear exists when it comes to the resources of Mother Earth as well.
However, it does not justify violent behaviour against another.
We have an individual who is successful, raking in the cash and not giving back. He is being supported by a while who is doing the same. Welcome to life. By punishing them we infuse our own morality which is, in itself, a violent act. Where do we draw the line? Forcing our will upon others is not the answer. We must confront our own fear.
I have faith that by building a platform on giving, peace, freedom, support, community building and love, we could overcome greed. I wrote a whole post about this very topic. Perhaps you may want to go and review it.
https://steemit.com/ungrip/@wwf/a-true-spiritual-warrior-does-not-attack-the-bully-but-instead-helps-strengthen-the-vulnerable-and-dependent
My goal is to build the community up, strengthen it by building independence, confidence, cohesion, willingness to stand together, side-by-side and make it strong enough that the bullies will not even attempt to attack. Instead they will yearn to join, cooperate and participate in the communities that we build.
This is not done through war, attacking and destruction.
I miss the days when i started here and followed only you and Lyndsay! And, didn't miss any of your posts. Now, things have changed and grown and, it's tricky to keep up. So no, i have not seen any if your previous posts on this matter. Thank-you for your detailed reply. And, for sharing the link. I have work to do but will come back at rest time to read it.
No doubt. I have wobbly legs, but my knowing and determination of a healthy way is on par with what you're saying for sure! Thanks again. Bless you Rob and your --and all others' -- efforts towards good 💖
Imagine the world if everybody becomes a giver. There would be an abundance of everything.
Great thoughts Sir. :)
indeed the effects of propaganda are very harmful to their effects, which none existed
Spot on. The world would benefit greatly if the windows of perception were cleaned. Ty, resteemed
Enemity start when you keep comparing yourself to another person and want what the other person has at the individual expense. One factor that facilitate peace and cohesion is desire for group collective goal. If everyone can develop the mindset of ''what can I go to Help" instead of "what can I do to Get", the community would be better