Building peace - fijani 44
In the Name God
Note: This article was first published in Blogfa on February 8, 2020
Building peace
In the previous message/post I recommended a number of sources for raising political awareness as a critical prerequisite for promoting peace in the world. As you know, politically aware people are generally less likely to be deceived or exploited. Also, every individual engaged in peace building is in need of some knowledge, skills, and strategies that allow them to make efficient use of their resources to promote peace, more specifically to foster a culture of tolerance and reduce prejudice, which is the main cause of most conflicts. There are a variety of groups and societies that provide valuable advice in this regard. Among those I have examined, I recommend the following, largely because these sites provide useful advice on the promotion of peace and other related issues suitable for people of different backgrounds. Some also provide links to other useful sources.
Useful sites/sources:
International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW)
Psychologists for Peace (PFP), an Interest Group of Australian Psychology Society (APS)
American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)
Journal of Peace Research
Journal of Peace Education
Galtung Institut (GI):
TRANSCEND Media Service-TMS (www.transcend.org/tms), a Peace Journalism resource for journalists/media, professionals, students and the Internet public at large
TRANSCEND Research Institute-TRI (www.transcend.org/tri), which publishes research papers and booklets for free downloading
Akbar Fijani, February 8, 2020
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Tips for promoting peace
(Source: APS-Australian Psychology Society-APS Psychologists for Peace Interest Group)
1. Develop your understanding of the frames of mind that promote conflict and violence against another group.
The perception that another group threatens our well-being
A sense of uncertainty about our safety and security
The belief that our own group is superior to another group
2. Develop your understanding of the strong emotions that underpin conflict and violence.
Anger about a provoking event and fear of future events can support an aggressive orientation towards others.
If anger and fear develop into hatred, others are likely to be perceived as evil; thereby, supporting harmful intentions towards them.
3. Pay attention to the ways that language and channels of communication are used to support conflict and violence.
The lives of others may be devalued by public rhetoric and media reports that reduce moral concern for them.
Beware that public beliefs may be shaped to condone violence against another group and cast aggression in a morally positive frame.
4. Recognise that social inequalities are unjust and fuel misery, conflict and violence.
Attune yourself to the social conditions that undermine individual and collective well-being such as poverty and discrimination.
Advocate for equalities in human rights, health care, opportunities, safety and security.
5. Dig beneath the surface level, negative stereotypes of another group to achieve a deeper understanding of their identity and concerns.
Find ways for dialogue and collaborative interaction with people who have diverse backgrounds, different perspectives, and dissimilar values.
6. Maintain a critical perspective toward the beliefs and actions of your own group.
Be willing to question authority, express dissent and offer constructive alternatives when your own group’s actions cause harm or compromise social justice and peaceful relations.
7. Recognise and appreciate experiences of shared humanity across diverse groups.
Extend your perspective and empathy by focusing on the common joys and sufferings of all humans.
8. Join groups that have a peace or social justice mission in order to reap the benefits of mutual support and collective action.
Donate time and money to such causes.
9. Strive for humane understandings and harmonious relations in your own daily life.
Learn about and use constructive ways to manage differences and resolve conflict.
Practice forgiveness and acts of kindness.
10. Find ways to nourish your hope, commitment, and energy for peace.
Access information about successful peace initiatives.
Find role models to inspire you and like-minded others for support.
Source: APS-Australian Psychology Society-APS Psychologists for Peace Interest Group
