Political Psychology of Active Non-Violence

About this video

• Video Title: Political Psychology of Active Non-Violence
• Channel: Areté Ateneo
• Speakers: Not explicitly stated, but the transcript is a monologue.
• Duration: 19:47

Overview

This video provides an overview of active non-violence, discussing its historical roots, key figures, strategies, and the psychological and spiritual balance required for its practice. It aims to educate viewers on how to engage in non-violent resistance effectively and ethically.

Key takeaways

• Active Non-Violence (ANV) Defined: ANV is a form of resistance that uses power derived from both external collective strength and internal spiritual rootedness to create social strain and change unjust conditions. It is a collective, public, and active protest against deceit and abuses.
• Historical Figures and Philosophy: The video highlights Mahatma Gandhi, Cardinal Sin, and Martin Luther King Jr. as key figures in the philosophy of non-violence, emphasizing principles like "in a gentle way, you can shake the world" and the interconnectedness of strength, compassion, justice, and love.
• Strategies and Tactics: ANV tactics range from mild to strong, including protest and persuasion (rallies, public posts, editorials), non-cooperation (boycotts), and non-violent intervention (sit-ins, blockades). The effectiveness of these tactics depends on the context and the opponent.
• Internal vs. External Strength: While mild ANV relies on external skills like networking and communication, stronger forms require internal emotional and spiritual development. This includes managing emotions from fear to courage, anger to love, impatience to patience, pride to humility, and despair to hope.
• Balanced Spirituality: Achieving a balanced spirituality for ANV requires consistency between public actions and private morality, a mellowness of heart fueled by gratitude, and a commitment to social justice. It acknowledges the human struggle and the need for both internal fortitude and external action.