Something that contributes to a cruel world with great suffering is the normalization or even glorification of evil, turning historical figures who have committed human rights violations into heroes.
Let us not dedicate statues to the wicked, street names to ruthless serial killers, or educational centers and other institutions to scoundrels. In school, let us not turn outrages into feats, crimes against humanity into epics, and their perpetrators into national icons. Let us not seek the perpetuation of a narrative on which to base national identity and a supposedly glorious past to be proud of, but which is actually shameful for those with high ethical standards.
Read LIVE WITHOUT HARMING! Let us not normalize certain abuses
Read LIVING WITHOUT HARMING: Let us question the nationalist narratives that cause conflicts
Read HOW TO LIVE WITHOUT HARMING? Let us reject narratives that justify cruelty
All of the above is characteristic of toxic societies. Below are several examples, starting with where I live, Catalonia, to begin an exciting journey through space and time toward the east:
Which of all those icons is, for you, the one who caused the most harm to innocent people?
We will not mention any more revered anti-heroes so as not to go on too long and because we should focus on the main idea: a society that glorifies and turns despicable people into heroes is a sick society and therefore requires healing. And it is not a trivial dysfunction, since the more people who harm innocents are set as models, the more likely it is that others will follow that example.
The cure for this pathology consists of several medicines:
1. Subject these abusers to a HISTORICAL JUDGMENT, a fair trial, in which the good things they have done and said are recognized, but they are condemned for the human rights violations and crimes they have committed.
2. REMOVE THEIR NAMES from streets, schools, universities, etc. There is no need to demolish monuments; it is enough to place a large sign next to them explaining their abuses and condemning them, as well as honoring their victims.
3. Maintain HISTORICAL MEMORY, condemning the victimizers and honoring their victims, so that the horrors of the past are never repeated. This can be done in museums, memorials, in the media, and especially in the education of children and young people.
Read LET US REPAIR THE DAMAGE!: Historical damage too
4. PAY TRIBUTE TO REAL HEROES instead of fake ones: those who have fought for a better world, for freedoms and human rights, for the abolition of slavery, the rights of women, the LGTBI community, or animals. Also to inventors, entrepreneurs, scientists, artists, and other figures who have made significant contributions. If we have bad role models, if we are guided by wrong maps, we will go the wrong way, while if we are guided by true lighthouses, we will reach a safe harbor.
If you believe that spreading this analysis contributes to a healthier society, I encourage you to do so. Be a little (or big) hero yourself!
Thank you,
Xavier Paya
Living Without Harm initiative
LET’S NOT HARM ANYONE, except in legitimate self-defense against an aggressor.
With the Living Without Harm initiative, we strive to prevent any kind of suffering or harm from being caused to you, your loved ones, and others.
1 Mission: A happier world
3 Goals:
1. Share scientific knowledge about wellbeing.
2. Encourage people not to cause harm.
3. Promote scientific research on quality of life.
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