I was at a friend’s party last night and the fact that I’m a pacifist seemed to interest some people.  What follows are some comments and questions that come up a lot, and my answers.  Hopefully my responses are a little more lucid and well thought out if I write them down when sober.

I don’t wanna be the guy who’s always giving you scenarios… but…

Don’t worry about it.  I really don’t mind if people ask me questions or even challenging my beliefs.  The exchange will benefit both of us.

More after the break…

Somebody is running at you with a knife, what would you do?

Honestly I don’t know.  I like to think that I would come up with a non-violent solution but I’ve never encountered the situation.  There are probably things I would do distinctively to defend myself, like put my arms up over my face or maybe even push the assailant to the side.  People don’t assault me with knives much, so I haven’t had a lot of practice.

What if you get off the bus and someone mugs/rapes you?

Statistically that doesn’t happen that much.  There are many actions you can take to limit your exposure to assault situations.  You can change what time you go out, what route you take or even travel in groups.  Honestly these kind of scenarios, while interesting to argue, are relatively impractical.

How can you own/like guns and be a pacifist?

The same way I own/like a car, a truck, a motorcycle, kitchen knives, power tools and sporting equipment.  Guns are objects and as such they are not inherently violent.  I wouldn’t carry a weapon to defend myself from other humans but I could certainly use a firearm to hunt or just put holes in stuff for fun.

By being a pacifist you’re being irresponsible.  What if other people or your nation needs you?

I’m responsible for myself and my property.  It is not my job to defend you and likewise it is not your job to defend me.  In a tough spot, maybe my pacifism will benefit you.   Likewise, your personal defense may help me.  While I don’t endorse it, I am aware of the fact that other people’s violent actions may benefit me.  As far as my “nation” needing me, I tend to avoid nationalism but perhaps I’m helping “my country” (whatever entity or lack thereof that may be) more by choosing to be non-violent.

So you think I shouldn’t carry a gun?

I think you should do whatever you are comfortable with.  It’s wrong to take away someones ability to defend themselves.  As long as you’re not being aggressive, you’re OK with me.

Why are you a pacifist, do you think “your reward is in heaven”?

I’m a pacifist because I feel a great aversion to violent acts and I believe all practical situations have possible non-violent solutions.  The older I get the more I drift towards atheism, so I do not believe “my reward is in heaven.”  Acting in a violent manner always seems to increase my uneasiness.  I act to decrease my personal uneasiness and therefore I act non-violently in as many situations as I can.  Wouldn’t Ludwig be proud.

How does being a pacifist jive with violence towards animals?

Animals do not have rights.  They can be protected as someone’s property, but because they cannot consent they do not have the responsibilities or benefits of natural rights.  I personally really like animals and I have a big problem with the way some people treat animals.  I don’t interact with those people.  I don’t however have a problem with harvesting animals as a food source.  Hunting is actually much more humane than the mechanized meat industry many people (myself included) currently use.

Do you think you’re better than me because you’re a pacifist?

I don’t know.  I’d have to see what actions you choose to take and what their effects are.  Then I’d have to compare it to myself.  I currently believe pacifism is the best way to deal with most scenarios.  Ask any of my friends and they’ll tell you I’m not afraid to change my mind.  At the same time I don’t really like to rank myself amongst people.  How about I respect you, and you respect me and we’ll each work out how we feel about each other over time?

Personal gripe

Pacifism really gets some people worked up, and I don’t understand why.  Don’t worry you’re not going to catch pacifism by talking to me and I didn’t come to take your guns away.  Relax.  The worst I could do if I really don’t like your violent tendencies is ostracize you and if the feeling is mutual it would be better for both of us.

If you have more questions or comments please leave them in the comments section.  I’ll do my best to address them.

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