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In a world of diversity, is it really possible to coexist without conflict?
We live in a world composed of various people, ideas, cultures, etc, which sometimes are locked in a web of conflicting interests, yet it is conventionally expected that peace should reign. Given the reality of the world we live in, is it still plausible to expect peace and harmony?
Topics:
society
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Showing single comment thread. View the full conversation.
Fritzie Reisner 100+
People may have a choice to contain their anger at others but some people, I think, enjoy fighting, winning, dominating others...
I have noticed that many people enjoy a 'them' and 'us' dynamic so much that they convince themselves and try to convince others of great differences that objectively speaking are negligible.
Colleen Steen 500+
Many of the conflicts we observe are situations where people need to be right, or are lashing out angrily in frustration. I agree that some people may enjoy fighting, winning, and dominating others. My belief and practice, is, if there are enough people who refuse to fight, and prefer to use conflict resolution, then the "fighters" have no one to fight with. If, as a global society, more and more people learn conflict resolution, I believe it encourages others to use that method, rather than fighting.
Fritzie Reisner 100+
Colleen Steen 500+
Juliette Zahn 50+
"I would still count it as fighting when an aggressor victimizes those who refuse to fight back or cannot fight back." You raise excellent points. Aggression and domination are the marks of ignorance.
Fritzie Reisner 100+
The question I meant to raise was whether diversity is the actual reason for conflict or rather an excuse for actions motivated by a taste for domination or for 'spoils' unrelated to diversity.
Colleen Steen 500+
I personally do not believe diversity is always the cause of conflict. I have observed some people who live life from a place of anger and fear, who seem to act/react from a need for the perception of domination. These folks will create and/or encourage conflict at every turn. We even see that behavior here on TED at times....do we not?
I think you insightfully addressed this in your first comment, when you stated...
"I have noticed that many people enjoy a 'them' and 'us' dynamic so much that they convince themselves and try to convince others of great differences that objectively speaking are negligible."
pat gilbert 50+
The lowest is out of fear and the least trustworthy and most dangerous as there main goal is to render you less dangerous.
The next higher is out of anger which of course is to stop you.
The highest is through communication through which you and Colleen are great examples as are many people a stellar example I see is the diplomat on a recent TED talk Rory Stewart.
Using Rory as an example especially in his first talk:
http://www.ted.com/talks/rory_stewart_time_to_end_the_war_in_afghanistan.html
The ability to handle others through communication stems from an ability to look at force without being intimidated. Rory has a lot of this ability, which imo allows him to see the situation as it is. Taking his cue it appears to be a matter of having the ability to stay at a level of communication with someone who wants to deal with you from a view of fear or anger.
Fritzie Reisner 100+
I agree with this, Pat. It also helps to know when to walk away.
Colleen Steen 500+
To expand on your comments...
We can nurture the skills and ability to stay at a level of communication with someone else, AND/OR, I also believe it is a matter of staying with a communication in a way that we, as individuals want to communicate. When someone is communicating with anger and disrespect, which stem from fear, a common reaction is to respond in the same way. We have a choice of getting pulled into THEIR script, or following our own script......so to speak.
We can certainly have different cultures, conflicting interests and ideas AND still be respectful with our interactions. It is not the differences that cause disrespect and discontent. It is the people who choose to orchestrate their lives in that way, as you both have insightfully brought to light.
And yes Fritzie, I totally agree that it helps to know when to walk away. That is why I said in a previous comment..."My belief and practice, is, if there are enough people who refuse to fight, and prefer to use conflict resolution, then the "fighters" have no one to fight with".
How many times do you think people who fight to be right, want to dominate, etc. would continue their destructive behavior if there was no one following their script? Perhaps they might get the idea that respectful communications are much more interesting and enjoyable?
pat gilbert 50+
By virtue of the fact that Rory is still alive tells me that he is not aiming for the next Darwin award and knows when to walk, but more importantly knows how to take a calculated risk, which imo is much more important skill.
This guy is giving an excellent diagnosis of a situation, that we are bombarded with PR about, why we should... all of it based on an agenda. Strictly from a financial point of view but also and more importantly how to do something that I scoff at when Bush talked about it or Obama for that matter. I believe it stems from his ability to communicate and confront to see things as they are.
Colleen Steen 500+
I'll look at that video you posted the link for.....finally have time to do so today:>)