***  Haus der Kulturen der Welt: Forum1 Archive  ***
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   [Date]: Fri, 01 Oct 1999 13:36:06 +0100
   [From]: Nils Zurawski <zurawsk@uni-muenster.de>
     [To]: Cultural Exchange via Internet <forum1@herz.kbx.de>
[Subject]: nonviolence - a ressource


Here is something I found on the ISTF mailing list. I thought this could
be i—f interest for this list as well.
Best nilz

cut here-----------------------------------------

I  would like to offer  the "culture of nonviolence" as a potential
focus for ISTF and ISOC,  believing that such a concept would strengthen
the mission of the "Internet for Everyone."  It gives a hook for
international collaboration, which is both intellectual and artistic.  A
reason for artists, students and all kinds of creative people  to
participate in the spreading of web access.

On November 10, 1998, the United Nations Responded to an appeal from 20
living Nobel Peace Prize Laureate by proclaiming the year 2000 to be
"the Year of Education for Peace and Nonviolence " and the years
2001-2010 to be the "International Decade for a Culture of Peace and
Nonviolence for the Children of the World."  More information about this
can be found at  http://www.nonviolence.org/for/decade.htm

Since a culture is not the idea of a single person or group of persons
but a consensus, it seems to me that the web is the perfect place to
explore and promote the culture of nonviolence.  Such a culture cannot
be developed by experts, but by millions of networked world citizens
seeking a better way to live in this world.

To see how effective the concept can be as a unifying force, try this
-  learn a little about the decade and the next time you are in one of
those "world is going to hell " conversations, mention the creation of a
culture of nonviolence.  You don't have to be sure what it is or what it
means, just suggest that it would be a good idea to put our heads
together to figure out what a culture of nonviolence might look and feel
like.  You might see a spark of relief and hope and most importantly a
desire to help to make it happen.

Perhaps ISTP could set up some kind of initiative based on "The World
Wide Web and the culture of nonviolence" that asks the question  "How
can the Net help create a culture of nonviolence for the children of the
world.  Web sites could be set up around the world where regional
visions of a peaceful world could be displayed.  They could be shared
through a master links index maintained by ISOC or ISTP.  A global art
exhibit that demonstrates the creative power of the Internet and helps
folks think a little about the possibility of a world at peace.

Such an initiative might help change some of the negative mindset caused
by attempts to exploit or repress this wonderful new media.

Pleas McNeel
South Central Texas Chapter
www.salsa.net