Announcing Our Theme for 2016-2017: Resistance

Inspire Solutions is pleased to announce its theme for 2016-2017: Resistance. Of course, we mean nonviolent resistance as, in a world that believes so much in violence, what is more threatening to the status quo than the proposal that nonviolence is not only more ethical, but also more effective? While nonviolent action is typically dismissed as naive and linked to passivity and weakness — indeed,  the very lack of a word for nonviolence except as something that is is not suggests its marginal role, its supporters argue that nonviolent struggle is rooted in a real understanding of the sources of power in society and argue that the use of violence is actually evidence of weakness.  In our next collection, we will examine whether nonviolent resistance has the potential to bring real change and challenge the power of those who rely on the instruments of violence. Our focus goes beyond the traditional idea of mass civil disobedience to include the often small-scale actions of individuals, who resist by becoming conscientious objectors, unarmed bodyguards or by taking actions to draw attention to the more subtle means by which we are encouraged to accept violence.

We are thus interested in receiving submissions that address the following:

  • a reflection on the philosophical/religious roots of pacifism or thinking of some of the most influential nonviolent thinkers and activists, including Henry David Thoreau, Leo Tolstoy, Mohandas Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, and Gene Sharp
  • an analysis of a particular nonviolent campaign or group (including nonviolent resistance to war and militarism, racism, sexism, poverty, etc.) or a nonviolent action, such as conscientious objecting or nonviolent forms of intervention in conflict zones
  • a discussion of the limits to the use of force and the potential of nonviolent resistance in our contemporary world
  • a look at how artists and members of the gaming community are working to subvert the cultural promotion of violence.

These are just a few ideas, and we welcome yours. Two collections are planned, so our deadlines are in late October and early April; we are flexible on format, seeking both personal reflections, as well as more academic texts, but all should be aimed for a general audience. We post both original and previously-written texts, as long as all copyright requirements are met. With over 50 articles in our collection, Inspire Solutions offers an interesting pedagogical resource for college-level students, with many texts ideal for launching classroom discussions. If you are interested in contributing to our next collection of articles or simply have a query, then send an email to Inspire Solutions editor, Pat Romano, at promano@dawsoncollege.qc.ca.

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One Response to Announcing Our Theme for 2016-2017: Resistance

  1. Lani Williams December 7, 2016 at 10:38 pm #

    I find that this is a very interesting theme, because even the children in our society believe that violence is the answer to problems. Making another kid scared gives them power and this creates bullying. So, addressing the matter of resistance not only educates the audience but also encourages the reader to pass on the message to someone else!

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