Peace and Conflict

During my first week of school there was a lot of discussion about peace and conflict.  What I found interesting is that peace and conflict can coexist.  We don't normally think of these two states of being occurring at the same time, which leads to a misperception of peace building.  Some people think that peace is not within our reach, but once we realize that peace and conflict can occupy the same time period and space it leaves room for new ways of thinking.  Conflict is necessary to promote change and improve societal conditions.  If it is resolved in a non-violent way, it is called positive conflict.  Peace is often defined as freedom from or the cessation of war or violence, therefor if conflict is resolved in a non-violent manner, peace and conflict can coexist.  Does this viewpoint change the perception of attaining world peace?  Should not ending the suffering of others in war torn countries and bringing all parties to the table be considered an attainable and desirable goal?  We are trapped in ever escalating and perpetuating conflicts that seem to have no end.  If more people wanted the same thing, I believe we could make it happen.  Manifestation will turn into action or lack of action that perpetuates violence.  


One classmate claimed that conflict is the spice of life.  Many agree that living in a state of perpetual agreement would not only be boring, it would be unproductive.  It's time to take an alternative view towards conflict and experience the benefits of coming to mutually beneficial solutions through discussion and compromise.

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