This is a brilliant talk by a woman making documentaries about non violent resistance in Palestine. Although she addresses the particular passions of the people involved in the Palestine-Israeli conflict, and is committed clearly to non violence, the point she, quite rationally, makes is this: we empower what we pay attention to. When global attention concerns itself habitually with frivolous news, or reacts predominately to terror, violence and tragedy, we leave resisters with little reason to remain committed to nonviolent tactics.
Battle in Seattle, a film about the colorful resistance to the World Trade Organization Summit in 1999, also addresses the seeming futility of nonviolence. Peaceful anarchists come into conflict with their fellow protestors resorting to violent riot. The violence leads to media attention, but portrays the anarchist in a, well, stereotypical version of anarchy and distracts from their peaceful intentions. Although this film strays from reality, it realizes that the media seek action. How is an individual to draw attention to their cause without acting out? Check out the real battle in Seattle.
History is a tale of barbarianism, acquisition, and warfare. What is possible if modern cultures demands the story of empathy?
These are great links and really interesting, ambitious subject matter. Careful when your post is linking to more than one story/video/podcast. It would be better to introduce them both and then describe/comment on each one. The transition from Israel/Palestine to Seattle is a little rough.
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