Violence in Modern Society
The daily living of human lives is coupled with numerous challenges that impair their wellbeing. Violence is one factor that affects individuals’ quality of life and makes it not worth living. Several philosophers, including Martin Luther King, Jr., Hannah Arendt, and Viktor Frankl, suggested various ways to address violence and oppression. Their unique theories attempt to explain that violence in society stems from the individuals’ thoughtlessness. This school of thought is similar to Socratic citizenship, which demonstrates that an unexamined life is not worth living (Menge, 2019). This paper will look at the approaches and views of Martin Luther King, Jr., Hannah Arendt, and Viktor Frankl on violence in society.
The theorists had a different view on oppression, violence, and society’s response to these acts of inhumanity. First, Martin Luther King, Jr. commented on the reactions of the oppressed people from the black community in America. He states that oppressed people respond to oppression in three different ways. The first way is to remain calm and submit to their oppressors without resistance. This phenomenon is referred to as acquiescence, and it involves individuals becoming conditioned to the injustices (Menge, 2019).
The second way individuals respond to wrongs in society is by choosing physical violence, aggression, and oppression against the oppressors, which often results in positive outcomes. Finally, populations may respond by choosing non-violent resistance, which involves using both acquiescence and violent strategies but avoiding their extremes.
Second, Hannah Arendt explains that power and violence are extremes and cannot co-exist. Power is a stimulant for individuals to act, and it is found in democratic or popular support. Arendt disputes the idea that violence requires power as the use of power depletes this power instead. She states that individuals use power to coerce individuals to act on their wishes. Third, Viktor Frankl wrote an article on the journey of a man taken to find meaning in life. He explains his ordeal in a Greek prison where he and a colleague were the only survivors of the oppression. He notes that his fellow Jewish prisoners were worse persecutors than the Nazi soldiers (Menge, 2019). They only survived due to significant willpower to live and persevere the harsh environmental, physical, and psychological tortures.
Forms of Violence of Concern
These individuals of interest were against different forms of oppression and injustices during their times. Martin Luther King was against the racial and social injustices committed against the black populations by the government. He sought equality among all races of the United States of America through the unity of all individuals. According to him, injustices can only be defeated through love and non-violent revolutions. Additionally, Martin Luther King was against warfare in international conflicts as it only resulted in death and suffering (Menge, 2019). He believed that the fight should be to promote the existence of the populations.
Moreover, Hannah Arendt is a German Jewish philosopher who wrote about the numerous injustices by the Nazi regime against the Jewish community in Germany. She was against the political harassment of the Jewish community due to their religious and racial differences. She believed that citizenship is an inherent right of human beings, and a totalitarian type of government undermines the freedom of people to be equal and act in collaboration. Additionally, Victor Frankl addressed the social violence during the holocaust. He suggests the possible ways of finding meaning in life in times of adversities. Individuals can find meaning in life through diligently carrying out their purposes in life with love and compassion.
Violence as a Threat to a Meaningful and Worthwhile Life
Violence has significant impacts on decent living by individuals due to its negative effects on life. According to Martin Luther King Jr., resolving to violence only breeds hate and animosity between individuals. He suggests that injustices should be treated through non-violence to reduce the escalation of oppression in society. Violence is immoral as it thrives in hate rather than in love. It also hinders the understanding between brothers, which may have profound effects on the community’s cohesion. Victor Frankl describes that the true meaning of life is found by realizing his responsibilities in life (Menge, 2019). His life changed during detention when he realized that his purpose in life is found in writings and loving his wife. This gave him the energy to persevere from the oppression he received from his persecutors.
Reflection on the Philosophers
The life and works of these prominent individuals necessitate their labeling as philosophers. First, like philosophers, these individuals try to bring out the theory of the origin of violence, its negative implications, and ways to address them. They describe a situation that affects the living of the populations (Menge, 2019). Second, the thoughts of these individuals are presented logically and critically to explain issues that are of social significance. Their views also have universal applications even in modern societies. Current generations can learn the importance of non-violence in fighting injustices in society.
Reference
Menge, T. (2019). Violence and the materiality of power. Critical Review of International Social and Political Philosophy, 1-26.