Spring Break
One wish
Issue date: 11/14/08 Section: Editorial/Opinion
11/14/08 - "If you had one wish what would it be?"
It's a classic Miss America question. And the answer?
"World Peace."
Though it's a cheesy joke, that thought has resonated throughout history. Despite horrific international wars, many citizens still cling to one last hope of world peace.
But before solutions reach a world stage, they must occur on a smaller scale.
And in the state of Rhode Island, the University of Rhode Island Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies is doing its part to help bring that dream one step closer to reality.
Director of the Center, Bernard Lafayette Jr., has been beaten nearly to death while participating in historic, dangerous and culture-changing events. He has been through hell. But it takes a big man to overcome hatred for those who have wronged him, and use his experiences to progress, not regress.
Though many may deny it, racism still exists. Though we may have our first black President in January, he overcame resistance from those who simply would not vote for a black man. And unfortunately, while racism is still an answer for some, so is violence.
According to a Report on the State of Youth Violence in Rhode Island based on the year 2003, homicide was the second leading cause of death for those aged 15 to 19-years-old, and third for those 20 to 24-years-old. The same report cites the rate of homicides for RI residents 15 to 24-years-old is nearly three times the homicide rate for those who are older than 25.
But Lafayette, along with the likes of Teny Gross, executive director of the Institute for the Study and Practice of Nonviolence and "Providence Streetworkers" - mostly composed of ex-gang members - wish to turn those rates around. By teaching peace and nonviolent tendencies like the practices of Ghandi, inner city youths can reinvent themselves from the beginning.
Lafayette's words are now historically documented, but he must know actions speak louder than words.
Resisting the urge to create conflict is a step to achieving a common dream. Dialoguing inward struggles of hate before turning to acts of rage can mean all the difference. Accepting others in spite of differences or past grudges can open doors to a healthier, better way of living.
Though we might not all be ready to don a sparkly bikini and wear a diamond tiara, we should all have the same answer, and be ready to provide the steps needed to achieve it. World Peace.
It's a classic Miss America question. And the answer?
"World Peace."
Though it's a cheesy joke, that thought has resonated throughout history. Despite horrific international wars, many citizens still cling to one last hope of world peace.
But before solutions reach a world stage, they must occur on a smaller scale.
And in the state of Rhode Island, the University of Rhode Island Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies is doing its part to help bring that dream one step closer to reality.
Director of the Center, Bernard Lafayette Jr., has been beaten nearly to death while participating in historic, dangerous and culture-changing events. He has been through hell. But it takes a big man to overcome hatred for those who have wronged him, and use his experiences to progress, not regress.
Though many may deny it, racism still exists. Though we may have our first black President in January, he overcame resistance from those who simply would not vote for a black man. And unfortunately, while racism is still an answer for some, so is violence.
According to a Report on the State of Youth Violence in Rhode Island based on the year 2003, homicide was the second leading cause of death for those aged 15 to 19-years-old, and third for those 20 to 24-years-old. The same report cites the rate of homicides for RI residents 15 to 24-years-old is nearly three times the homicide rate for those who are older than 25.
But Lafayette, along with the likes of Teny Gross, executive director of the Institute for the Study and Practice of Nonviolence and "Providence Streetworkers" - mostly composed of ex-gang members - wish to turn those rates around. By teaching peace and nonviolent tendencies like the practices of Ghandi, inner city youths can reinvent themselves from the beginning.
Lafayette's words are now historically documented, but he must know actions speak louder than words.
Resisting the urge to create conflict is a step to achieving a common dream. Dialoguing inward struggles of hate before turning to acts of rage can mean all the difference. Accepting others in spite of differences or past grudges can open doors to a healthier, better way of living.
Though we might not all be ready to don a sparkly bikini and wear a diamond tiara, we should all have the same answer, and be ready to provide the steps needed to achieve it. World Peace.
