Scilla Elworthy: Fighting with non-violence

Bullies use violence in three ways: political violence intimidates, physical violence terrorizes, and mental or emotional violence undermines. Using more violence usually isn't the best answer to violence.

What are some effective nonviolent strategies?

The change that takes place has to occur on an individual level through self-knowledge. Soldiers are often afraid, and if users of nonviolence can master their self knowledge and master fear, they can avert a violent situation.

Anger can be destructive, but it can also be productive and give people inner power. We just need to make sure that we're angry over the issue and not with the people.

Elsworthy's talk was filled with inspiring references to successful nonviolent resistance in many instances. For a more practical list of methods of actions, check out Gene Sharp's "From Dictatorships to Democracy."