"I think the only choice that will enable us to hold to our vision... is one that abandons the concept of naming enemies and adopts a concept familiar to the nonviolent tradition: naming behavior that is oppressive"
- Barbara Deming
About this Quote
This quote by Barbara Deming is advocating for a shift away from the conventional method of determining and targeting enemies, and rather concentrating on the oppressive behavior that they are engaging in. This is an idea that is familiar to the nonviolent tradition, which is based upon the idea of tranquil resistance and non-cooperation with overbearing forces. By shifting the focus away from the private or group that is engaging in oppressive behavior, and instead concentrating on the behavior itself, it enables us to hold to our vision of a more just and equitable society. This technique also enables us to stay concentrated on the goal of developing a much better future, rather than getting captured up in the cycle of retribution and violence.
"Give us grace and strength to forbear and to persevere. Give us courage and gaiety and the quiet mind, spare to us our friends, soften to us our enemies"
"A man who was completely innocent, offered himself as a sacrifice for the good of others, including his enemies, and became the ransom of the world. It was a perfect act"
"Have we not come to such an impasse in the modern world that we must love our enemies - or else? The chain reaction of evil - hate begetting hate, wars producing more wars - must be broken, or else we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation"
