Myths of Violence. Issue 1 (1st January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Evans, Brad
• Is Part Of: Journal of humanitarian affairs. Volume 2:Issue 1(2020)
• Page Start: 62
• Page End: 68
• Publication Date: 2020-01-01
• Subjects: violence -- power -- development -- difference -- myth -- the sacred
• DOI: 10.7227/JHA.035
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2515-6411

Abstract

Abstract : This essay critically addresses ten prevailing assumptions about violence: (1) violence is natural; (2) violence comes easily to humans; (3) violence attacks a juridical life; (4) violence is the result of underdevelopment; (5) violence is the result of difference; (6) violence is a sign of absolute power; (7) violence is associated with some death drive; (8) violence can be intelligent through a mastery of technology; (9) the opposite of violence is a just peace; and (10) violence is an assault on the sacred meaning of life. In doing so, it opens up a conversation on the meaning of political violence and makes an impassioned call to free ourselves from sacred myths that bind us to a problem that still appears insurmountable.