The Challenge to Love

challenge of love gembapantarei

There are various avenues of response to the oppressive situations in which people live and suffer:

Violent resistance.  Violence cannot succeed against a dominant power that has more arms and physical might.  Violence merely perpetuates itself even as the power holders change.

Complete assimilation such that one’s own identity is lost.  When one assimilates completely, one no longer exists as a unique being capable of following his or her own destiny.  When a tribe, community, or society of people assimilate, cultures are lost.

Cooperation with the oppressor to guarantee one’s own security and survival. This form of cooperation requires an adoption of the immorality of the oppressor.  Cooperation is best when used for the purpose of being a light in the darkness and to lead the blind back to themselves.

Reducing contact as much as possible with those causing the suffering.  Isolation breeds hatred, resentment, and fear. It also makes easier the oppressor’s ability to target the isolated group for destruction.

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