fandomhigh | The Art of Pacifism; Tuesday, Fifth Period [ 03/15 ].

The classroom and the cocoa were back; Shunsui was sitting at his usual spot in the circle, all things that should be a sign to the students that another discussion class was in order.

"Welcome back, ducklings ♥!" he gave his usual greeting and smile. "I hope you all had a wonderful weekend with your visitors ♥."

He knew he did, thanks to some people having hot sisters.

"Today I'd like to have a discussion about last week's class, where I taught you about Aikido ♥. I noticed that quite a few of you seemed quite eager to learn this method of self-defense, so I have a feeling I know where the conversation will go, but still ♥. You know what they say about assumptions ♥. Things like Aikido have its roots in the non-agression principle of pacifism. While nonviolence rejects the use of violence, non-aggression rejects the use of aggression ♥. Aggression is defined as the initiation of a physical force against person or property, and does not reject the idea of self-defense in response to aggression initiated against yourself.

"We saw in class how something like Aikido can be used to still be fairly nonviolent while also being non-agressive, but can it truly be considered pacifism ♥? Does a true pacifist absolve from all physical conflict? Or are there exceptions, as just remaining passive in the face of violence only propagate the violence ♥? Is there a happy medium? What did you, personally, think of the self-defense philosophy of Aikido and how it applies to your own perceptions of pacifism so far?

"Let's discuss ♥!"

[[ and ~~incoming~~ ocd arrived! ]]

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"Those of my home, Azarath, believed in pacifism so strongly they would not resist if someone were to cause them harm," Raven said, frowning at the memories of her home. "I was taught that as well, but I know that is wrong. If someone were to harm someone I care for -- or even someone I do not know, for that amtter -- and I stood by and did nothing when I could have acted to protect them, then I am as guilty of doing them harm as their attacker is. I do not like violence, and I do not wish to engage in it, but I cannot do nothing. Knowledge of a form of self-defense is necessary."

Edited 2011-03-15 15:03 (UTC)

"If someone does try to do them harm, let me know," Squall told her.

Poor Squall didn't realize he was too late.

Raven gave Squall a sad smile. "If you mean our friends here, then yes, I would most certainly welcome your aid," she said. "But if you mean those of my home, I fear it is no longer a concern. Azarath no longer exists."

Squall struggled, at a loss for words. That was... not entirely unexpected, actually. It was a pretty good example of what non-violence resulted in. Whatever happened, it was probably their own stupid fault.

"I'm sorry," he managed. "I didn't know."

Considering they stood there and let it happen, Raven might be inclined to agree.

"It is all right," Raven said softly. "It is still difficult for me to think of it as gone. They did not fight back when demons came to destroy Azarath -- they protested the intervention of others to fight on their behalf, in fact. Their intentions were to sacrifice their lives to stop a great evil, but I cannot help but wonder -- and wish -- that there might have been another way."

One that didn't involve her dying and her friends being used like chess pieces by Azar.

"At least they had a reason," Squall decided. "Did it work?"

If it hadn't, THAT would be stupid and pointless.

"My mother's Earth still exists, and I am here," Raven said. "So ultimately, their pacifism did bring about the destruction of a great evil, but only at the cost of their own lives and the manipulation of the free will of others." She chewed at her lower lip; she didn't want to speak badly of her home, but she no longer believed as they did.

"There had to have been another way," she finally said. "Living in Fandom has taught me that. But it would have involved some form of resistance, which they were not prepared to do."

The Art of Pacifism; Tuesday, Fifth Period [ 03/15 ].

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