What are Human Rights?
A really nice short video that defines Human Rights, which we typically discuss during lesson six of the Class of Nonviolence.
Category Archives: video
Reconsider Columbus Day
There’s really not an ideal place to discuss Columbus Day in the Class of Nonviolence, although it fits best in lesson 7, where we generally talk about war. Instead, take advantage of the day itself to discuss alternative views of Columbus. Several good books that can be added to a library or curriculum are: Lies… Read More »
Dancing to the beat of a different rumba
My peaceCENTER colleague Rosalyn Collier roped me into dinner and a movie, the movie being “Strictly Ballroom,” a 1993 Australian film about ballroom dancing. “Not at all my cup of tea,” I complained. “You love it. Trust me,” she countered. She was right. Scott, a young competitive ballroom dancer, is inspired to improvise in a… Read More »
Nature Makes Us More Caring, Study Says
Want to be a better person? Commune with nature. Paying attention to the natural world not only makes you feel better, it makes you behave better, finds a new study to be published October 1 in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. [read article] We’d probably use this material in the first session of the… Read More »
Fasts and Hunger Strikes: is there a difference?
Mia Farrow has embarked on a 21-day fast to “show solidarity” with the people of Darfur. “I’m just an actress. I’m not presuming anybody will care whether I starve to death or whether I go on a long hunger strike or what. But it’s a personal matter. I can’t be among those that watch –… Read More »
Death penalty videos
The death penalty has been added as lesson seven in the new 16-week “university” Class of Nonviolence. There are many good documentaries on capital punishment, but these two online videos would work well with this lesson. The first is an hour-long TV program hosted by the Harris County, Texas Green Party. In a classroom situation… Read More »
Happy Earth Day, Edward Abbey!
The Class of Nonviolence, alas, does not address the environment directly – we typically stuff environmental issues into lesson eight, which is about animals. Another approach could be to look at the life and works of Edward Abbey, an author and essayist noted for his advocacy of environmental issues. He fits in well with lesson… Read More »
The REAL Boston Tea Party
With all the coverage of tea parties it is an excellent teaching moment to talk about the revolutionary roots of the real Boston Tea Party and initiate a discussion about whether Britain could have been removed from the American colonies nonviolently. (This is one of Colman McCarthy’s discussion questions in lesson 6 of the Class… Read More »