We do need smart people in the world - and strong ones, too - but I can't get behind the idea that violence is the way to go. My BJJ teacher, strongest guy I've ever met, always made the point that the best possible approach to fighting was to never get in a fight in the first place.
But then again, the US is not SA, and there are plenty of cultures where avoiding a fight makes you even more of a target...
Now I moved to France, and I probably won't have to use my fist, or take someone down.
But in South Africa, it was a necessity and I am happy I trained, especially when a burglar enter your house, he will rape your wife and children.
I am not saying that violence is needed, I am just saying that it's present all around us, and I won't shy away from it.
Gi, no gi, I will not let someone bully another.
I saw my son getting bullied at school last year iN France, repeating the cycle of violence, without retaliation. F*uck this
Now, I say to him: Fight back.
Then again, we homeschool him now to avoid situations that could escalate like it did in the past.
Tit-for-tat seems like the most effective strategy for this sort of thing - be willing to meet violence with violence, but never initiate it.
I wonder about this in the form of social movements, though - nonviolent protest is the most effective way of ensuring long-lasting change.
It would be a longer story to be told, but I had the chance to meet Nelson Mandela and work with his grand son in South Africa, I learnt a lot from it.
There used to be a time when he was considered a terrorist, and did not hesitate to take drastic/violent actions to make his message come across.
With time come wisdom, and we learn how to make ourselves understandable in other ways.
That was a good chat thanks for passing by!