This is http://www.essayz.com/a9106182.htm Previous-Essay <== This-Essay ==> Following-Essay Click HERE on this line to find essays via Your-Key-Words. {Most frequent wordstarts of each essay will be put here.} ========================================================== %VICTIM ROOT CONFLICT DEFINITION RESOLVE DICHOTOMY 910618 We are the victims/beneficiaries of how battles and conflicts have been defined in the past; for such definitions have much to do with whether or not conflicts are resolved, or are used as means to acquiring coveted powers of manipulation. In any real situation there are a large number of conflicting ideals and values. In each confrontation between opposing sides in a contest/battle the participants often define the significance of the contest/battle in terms of some dichotomy between opposing notions of good and/or evil. It is important how the dichotomy is set up, for how it is set up will favor some people and victimize others; and lay the foundations for conflict perpetuation and/or conflict resolution. It is to some people's personal advantage to perpetuate conflicts; e.g., weapons manufacturers and distributors will profit from war and preparations and are in fear of peace and tranquility. Thus it is important in considering each conflict and/or battle to take note of who defines the issues, how the issues are defined, and who profits/loses by how the issues are defined. Some people seek to perpetuate conflicts; others seek to resolve conflicts. Some people seek to confuse the underlying issues in conflicts; other people seek to clarify the underlying issues in conflicts. The former leads to disintegration; the latter to personal and communal integrity. Both processes are likely to be exponential; augmenting the characteristics which drive them, in proportion to the strength of the characteristics which drive them. In each situation there are a multitude of ways in which the issues which are present in a conflict/battle may be partitioned, factored, defined or set up. Each way has its own consequences which will favor some people and victimize other people. Some ways promote extended conflict; other ways promote reconciliation and integration. It is important to take note of the extent to which leaders promote the extension of conflict; and the extent to which leaders promote reconciliation and integration. The definition of issues often revolve around the language and categories which play dominant roles in the discussion of issues, and in attempts to define issues to the advantage/disadvantage of various contestants. Are issues defined in terms of positions taken by participants? In terms of historic positions taken by ancestors? In terms of special interest groups? In terms of personal and communal integrity? In terms of what will create secure contexts which will make it safe to be honest? In terms of the knowledge of good and evil learned by eating the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden? (c) 2005 by Paul A. Smith in (On Being Yourself, Whole and Healthy) ==========================================================