BPFs roots are in the anti-Vietnam War movements, supporting conscientious objectors and lifting up calls for peace by Vietnamese monk, Thich Nhat Hanh. Todays anti-war movements take new forms, like the ongoing protests of police militarization and racist policing sparked by #MichaelBrowns death in #Ferguson. BPF friend Clare Bayard describes some of the other fronts of the anti-war and anti-militarization movements, in indigenous and immigrant communities, and among military veterans who are against war. While much has happened since it was written in early 2011, its an important piece that links these multiple fronts to a society-wide need for demilitarization so that we all can restore our humanity: Demilitarization means untangling layers, from which institutions shape our society and address our needs, and decolonizing our minds, bodies, and organizing practices. Demilitarization practices are healing and wholeness strategies for our communities and cultures. Affirming everyone’s humanity and centering the importance of healing capsizes the logic of militarism. While we campaign to withdraw troops, defund the military, involve the public in reparations, and make racist fear and warmongering unacceptable, we must also be practicing individual and community behaviors that support the values we seek to implement as a society.
Posted on: Sun, 28 Dec 2014 23:22:28 +0000
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