For or Against

Events in Baltimore brought to mind for me the demonstrations inspired by the Grand Jury decisions to not indict the officers in the deaths of Eric Garner and Michael Brown.  Some of those demonstrations remained peaceful, some turned violent.  The violence in Baltimore has resulted in a state of emergency for that city.  This got me thinking - what makes the difference between peaceful demonstration and riot?  Gandhi and his followers managed to maintain non-violence, as did Dr. Martin Luther King, and in far more dramatic circumstances.  While there could be several factors, such as leadership, that play a significant role in whether or not a demonstration remains peaceful, I believe there is one factor that is more important than any other.  Are the demonstrations for something, or against something?

Dr. King marched and demonstrated FOR equal rights.  Gandhi’s activities were in support of a free and independent India.  The demonstrations related to Eric Garner, Michael Brown, and now Freddie Gray are against police mistreatment, against officers not being indicted, against racial profiling, etc.  This may seem trivial.  “What is the difference if you are for equal rights or against inequality?  Its the same thing!”  Well, not really.

To be for something is to be in support.  Support is about growth, positive change and inclusiveness.  To be against something is inherently combative.  It implies an “us vs. them” mentality and when there is something to attack, violence is much more likely.  Supporting what you want is creative.  Opposing what you don’t is destructive.  You can work to tear down what you feel is wrong or build up what you feel is right.  And, even if you do tear something down, you will have to build something else up, so why not start there?  The improvement process requires that which does not work to be replaced.  The destruction process just leaves...destruction.

There is a wonderful story of Mother Theresa.  She was asked to participate in an anti-war rally but refused, saying something along the lines of “...but when you march for peace, I’ll be there.”  It really is that simple.  Take whatever it is that you are against, look for what is 180 degrees from it, and work in support of that.  You will be more peaceful, progressive and powerful in creating what you want than you ever will by destroying what you don’t.