A global peace movement

[Theemeperorsnewclothes]

All I am seeing are decisive threads that keep getting deleted. All I am also seeing, and reading in the news, are heartbreaking accounts and images. I don’t have the answers, no one does. Where money and power are in play, there are no easy answers, perhaps we are on our way to world devastation. A terrifying thought, but a thought that has played in many of our minds. As I see it, the only way forward is a peace movement, a global peace movement. I have no political or religious allegiance, just an allegiance to all the innocents on both sides. It would take one hell of a U-turn from political parties, and a U-turn we realistically know they won’t take, without some sort of extraordinary turn of events. I can’t help thinking that this is the only way we have a chance at saving humanity.

I think it's called the UN. It doesn't do much though.

Peace isn't fashionable. Money and politics always win.

I don't think it's going to happen. There's too much hatred which is now just spreading. Terror attacks being carried out all over the place now - France, Belgium, Uganda. We will all be at risk soon.

Unfortunately I don’t think the UN are a peace movement in current times.

@Babyroobs yes that's concerning

Even Belgium ☹️

Sorry, you mentioned Belgium.

Wars are not a new thing, we've been here before many times. Check the history books 'Humanity' will be saved and continue, as it always has just not in the naive way you hope.

Wars are not a new thing, we've been here before many times. Check the history books 'Humanity' will be saved and continue, as it always has just not in the naive way you hope.

I have checked the history books and peace movements have had their place, in all countries but never quite gained enough traction/support to truly make a difference.

I know it’s a hope, and it sounds naive to even suggest a peace movement is possible.

Nelson Mandela: “If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.”

There is no money or power in peace and some humans are always going to want both.

“There is no money or power in peace and some humans are always going to want both.”

This is sadly very true.

i must have said this 3 times this week or maybe even today it's population density and poverty.
freedom of movement has to do with citizenship and the financial benefits it confers. so maybe if someone coming from country x paid in full into what they would get in country y maybe it could be possible but most are poor and couldn't afford it.
but there is hope on the horizon, as large cohorts people pass away and young people have fewer children the population steadily decreases. people will have homes and green space, just give it a few generations.

“i must have said this 3 times this week or maybe even today it's population density and poverty.
freedom of movement has to do with citizenship and the financial benefits it confers. so maybe if someone coming from country x paid in full into what they would get in country y maybe it could be possible but most are poor and couldn't afford it.
but there is hope on the horizon, as large cohorts people pass away and young people have fewer children the population steadily decreases. people will have homes and green space, just give it a few generations.”

That’s a really interesting perspective, and it makes sense with regards to how people view immigrants/views on who owns land/living spaces and what they view as ‘fair’ with regards to paying into any x and country y. Globalisation has meant we transfer many goods and people across the world, for our own gain. Surely people should not have to pass away, and generations pass, for our present living population to benefit? Humanity must trump all else.

Humanity does continue just not us.

There is a grassroots network of people working for peace all over the planet, and you could get involved if you wanted to - eg groups who campaign against the arms trade, nuclear weapons, military recruitment/ conscription, uranium mining etc. (incl some faith-based groups eg Quakers, Catholic Workers, etc).
There are a lot of links between such groups in different countries, and global initiatives, such as the ongoing work being done for an international ban on the use of nuclear weapons - see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_on_the_Prohibition_of_Nuclear_Weapons

I think things are going to get a lot worse before they get better. I agree about the point about resource competition. There was that mouse utopia study, I think you see it reflected in human societies as well. The world feels very wrong at the moment.

That old chestnut ...

@SerendipityJane you are so right, it is that “old chestnut” to give peace a chance. I can’t help thinking of the civilians on both sides, who have lost loved ones, or who are currently tortured by loved ones being held hostage, who I would imagine would have traded anything over being in this horrific situation, if they had only been given the chance. Very hard to give peace a chance now, in these circumstances. It’s so very sad. Perhaps our future votes should go to political peacemakers above anything else.

How are you defining 'peace', OP?

As long as they're are people there won't be peace.

Our closest relatives are chimps...and they can be awful to each other!

I am 14 and this is deep....

There have been some brilliant and innovative peace projects through history; it’s really important to agitate for peace and provide a solid foundation of grassroots support from which politicians can negotiate. Essentially however it depends on visionary or wise leaders and the relationships between them.

Money and power have been mentioned several times by pp but I think the really intractable conflicts are more to do with survival, identity, nationhood.

@natura

advocacy of pacifism, nonviolent resistance, diplomacy, boycotts, peace camps, ethical consumerism, supporting anti-war political candidates, supporting legislation to remove profits from government contracts to the military–industrial complex, banning guns, creating tools for open government and transparency, direct democracy, supporting whistleblowers who expose war crimesor conspiracies to create wars, demonstrations, and political lobbying.

Careful you don't get reported.

@LilyLemonade I think that is my point. It is about the leaders. What led us to get here? Why are we in this horrific situation? Wise leaders are much more visionary and proactive rather than reactive. If you are so consumed with furthering your own agenda, money, power, control, where does that leave the civilians… it leaves them in this shit, that’s where. How do Politicians get into power, who truly voices our opinions.

Justanotherlurker · Today 12:06

I am 14 and this is deep....

It is good you are thinking about these issues at such a young age. Always look at the source, is it credible?, who is saying this?, what is their own objective?, and form your own opinions based on credible information, not just what you are ‘told’ by the media.