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What are some of your thoughts about Pacifists?

Spirit of Light

Be who ever you want
If I defend myself, they will call me guilty for using ''violence''. :rolleyes:
Why would a pacifist accuse you of that?
For me, I would never accuse anyone who chose to defend themself, it is their choice, exactly as it is my choice to not defend myself. I can die for others while helping them into a secure area, but I chose to not harm those who hate me, because I do not wish to hold hate within me.
 

ChristineM

"Be strong", I whispered to my coffee.
Premium Member
So the question may be, what is your view on pacifism and or pacifists?

I have no view on pacifism, people are what they are, so long as they are not causing harm then no problem

Are you afraid of them?

LOL, no.

Curious to why they think as they do?

Nope, i think in a similar way (i think), i don't care for violence, the difference between you and me is if someone is violent to you as a pacifist you accept it. If someone is violent to me then will end up in a great deal of pain and possibly hospitalised. I did the turn the other cheek act and git hurt, it won't happen again.

Do pacifists create a danger to you as a person?

Only if they cross the road without looking. Swerving and braking can have serious consiquences

Do you trust people who identify as nonviolent and pacifistic?

No, but i don't trust anyone until that trust is earned.
 

9-10ths_Penguin

1/10 Subway Stalinist
Premium Member
Why would a pacifist accuse you of that?
For me, I would never accuse anyone who chose to defend themself, it is their choice, exactly as it is my choice to not defend myself. I can die for others while helping them into a secure area, but I chose to not harm those who hate me, because I do not wish to hold hate within me.
If you respect other people's decision to use violence, then how are you a pacifist?
 

Alienistic

Anti-conformity
Do you trust people who identify as nonviolent

No, people can identify as whatever they please. Have heard too many state that they are of peace or non-violent, in order to gain trust while playing a long con. Or many state that they are of peace and are the polar opposite. Many can pretend to be whatever they want over the internet or in their lives and play the role nicely.

Authentic pacifists though, carry on if that’s what they desire and seek. Although they would be neutralized, rendered ineffective pretty easily. But I’d understand this, this world of hostility, times of war are not really for them and they wish to take no part in it. Some would rather die than go to or contribute to war, and that’s pretty awesome in my opinion. Some pacifists have a bold side also and will only resort to this if absolutely necessary.
 

robocop (actually)

Well-Known Member
Premium Member
In another OP started by @firedragon , I answered his question, and in his OP I write about being a pacifist.
That made me think, how do other people react to someone who is a pacifist?

So the question may be, what is your view on pacifism and or pacifists?
Are you afraid of them?
Curious to why they think as they do?
Do pacifists create a danger to you as a person?

Do you trust people who identify as nonviolent and pacifistic?

NB: Discussion forum not Debate
I'm a pacifist, so someone can quote me and tell me what they think of me.
 

Aupmanyav

Be your own guru
Did Gandhi fail, in his mission to liberate his country from British rule by non violent means?
Yes, Gandhi failed. Independence to territories was a British economic compulsion. Nearly all territories were given independence at that time. Independence was not wholly because of Gandhi. And what happened after independence was not according to Gandhian view. Actually Gandhi said that the Congress party should be dismantled. Not doing that led to a 55 year rule of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty. Thankfully, that is over now and the dynasty is in tatters.
 

lewisnotmiller

Grand Hat
Staff member
Premium Member
In another OP started by @firedragon , I answered his question, and in his OP I write about being a pacifist.
That made me think, how do other people react to someone who is a pacifist?

So the question may be, what is your view on pacifism and or pacifists?
Are you afraid of them?
Curious to why they think as they do?
Do pacifists create a danger to you as a person?

Do you trust people who identify as nonviolent and pacifistic?

NB: Discussion forum not Debate

I wish there were more in the world, in a lot of ways.
However, in a more negative sense, I see it as a luxury. It's much easier (and more possible) to be a pacifist in a society where there isn't overwhelming levels of violence and crime.
I also find myself wondering how possible it is, or how positive it is, to be a pacifist when you have people depending on you. So, sure, I might turn the other cheek when faced with violence. Am I willing to make the same choice if it's my children facing violence? My wife?

So...that would be my basic tenets;
1) It's an honourable position but;
2) Pacifists are largely dependant on the environment around them
3) A pacifist is someone who won't physically step in if my child was being beaten.

That last is obviously an unusual and extreme example, but that's my point. On the daily, pacifism is fine. But I think MOST people can be pushed beyond this boundary, and I actually think they should move from pacifism to action, even if only in extreme situations.
 
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