This is a long podcast interview between cartoonist Chris Schweizer and educator Jerzy Drozd, discussing non-violence in comics — but it really extends into every story in our culture, and the way violence is so often presented as the de facto solution to every conflict (e.g. Marty McFly is a chicken unless he punches Biff in the face, and his doing so instantly resolves the situation).
This is an idea that keeps coming back to me lately: “What is peace?” How can we be peaceful, especially when faced with an opposing force hell-bent on violence, or unwilling to engage with the level of thought and empathy that makes peace possible?
As John Lennon said:
When it gets down to having to use violence, then you are playing the system’s game. The establishment will irritate you – pull your beard, flick your face – to make you fight! Because once they’ve got you violent, then they know how to handle you. The only thing they don’t know how to handle is non-violence and humor.
I’m grateful that my work gives me the time and space to listen to long-form discussions like this in the background!