Successful nonviolent personal self-defense requires never acting like a victim
A question to consider:
When and how have I ever responded with nonviolent personal self-defense techniques?
Answers will vary but techniques and skills mentioned later in the session may be described.
Answers will vary but techniques and skills mentioned later in the session may be described.
How can we even begin processing what it takes for an "attitude" of personal nonviolent self defense? For help, let's look at this article:
"Nonviolent Personal Self Defense"
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The following case is a startling example of the proceeding article.
Case study: |
Cell Block Rape Threatened
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Right after that, a guard with a flashlight came through on a routine count of the prisoners. Bobby was terrified. He was sure Mark would turn him in. Being found out of his cell, he would be thrown in 'the hole' and lose his good time. If the knife were found, Bobby would be in even more trouble.
Bobby started to threaten Mark to keep him quiet. Before any words really could get out, Mark softly whispered to Bobby not to worry, he did not want to get Bobby into trouble. Mark said he considered Bobby his friend! As the guard went by both stayed deathly still. Things at that point turned around; Bobby made no more advances. For a long time the two talked with Mark's hand resting gently on Bobby’s chest. Bobby told Mark about his loneliness and his sexual frustrations. Finally, Bobby even cried a little. He said it was the first time he had cried since he was a child. They also talked about Carl, a very young and inexperienced demonstrator, also arrested with Mark. Bobby had been threatening Carl too, so much so that Carl, on the same night, was lying on his mattress both crying and trembling from fear. The next morning Bobby found a piece of contraband string for Mark to use in holding up his pants. Also, Bobby promised Mark that he would not touch Carl, who had to serve for a few more days. Why did Bobby respond so well to this nonviolent approach? Mark listed eight specific nonviolence techniques:
From an article by Mark Morris in the former WIN Magazine issue of January 24, 1974. |
Not many of us will be in the position of Mark Morris in the previous case, but a few more of us could identify with the potential of the following situation.
Case Study: |
He Screamed Anyway
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From these actions, I realized that the gun must just have gone off accidentally and consequently scared the two "robbers" and saved me! I certainly did not feel calm but looking back at the incident with the thoughts gained from our workshop, I realized I saved myself because l did not act like a victim. I tried to talk calmly and reasonably to a person who may, in some ways, have been frightened himself of whatever he was doing. Perhaps I surprised him by my actions and he no longer felt in control of the situation. I feel thankful that I did remain fairly calm but I was not consciously aware of "doing the right thing!!” Submitted by a teacher from the Shaker Heights School District, Cleveland, Ohio, while taking the ALTERNATIVES TO VIOLENCE course. The case study was about not acting like a victim and using surprise tactics, and these suggested tactics were successful. However, another main thing to recognize is that person in the story screamed although it is advisable not to scream. This is a hint in the article later in the session, "Some hints for Successful Nonviolent Personal Self-Defense." Therefore, this case shows that not all tactics work for all situations and that you cannot be successful with the entire package of suggestions at all times. |
Now let's look at situations relating to family life and children.
More schools recognize need to intervene in bullying behaviors that start young and lead to more violence.
"Bully Richard Gale Interview (Bully of Casey Heynes)" is a video clip about the cause and effect of bullying.
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In the following two video clips is another situation getting the attention of community groups:
Cyberbullying PSA |
Domestic Violence PSA |
Here are some suggestions for nonviolent personal self-defense:
Some Hints for Successful Nonviolent Personal Self-Defense
How to act confident, never like a victim
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For this session, let's close with another most surprising case ending:
Case Study: |
MUGGER DIVERTED FROM VIOLENCE
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"Look, trust us. Come on," she said, looking him straight in the eye. Crazed and irrational as he was, the junkie began to understand that there was no better way out. He finally agreed. Still threatening with the knife, the man walked with them up the street and into the apartment building, while the two women talked to him quietly and normally, not showing their fear. The woman whose apartment it was went in and returned with a ten dollar bill, all she had. "Is that all you have?" he shouted. Her heart sank. "But I only need five dollars. I don't have any change. I'm sorry." He stood there uncertainly. "Take it, take it. That’s all right." Finally, he ran down the stairs and out of the building. See Safe Passage on City Streets (Samuel), pp. 13-18.
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Review and Reflect
Major Point to Remember:
Successful nonviolent personal self-defense requires never acting like a victim.
To Reflect: Optional Activities
Materials located on the "Extra" page for applications #1 & #2
#1: Analyze at least two Case Studies: 9A, 9D, 9E, 9F
#2: Movie Assignment: View "The Interrupters" and answer the corresponding questions.
#3: Application:
Fight or flight are common choices in conflict. Fighting is dangerous under the best circumstances; it is more so when alcohol, drugs, and weapons are involved. To some, flight is admitting defeat and losing face.
An opponent may expect others to be hostile or frightened. Why not be confident and prepared with unexpected responses? The following worksheet may show you additional choices.
#2: Movie Assignment: View "The Interrupters" and answer the corresponding questions.
#3: Application:
Fight or flight are common choices in conflict. Fighting is dangerous under the best circumstances; it is more so when alcohol, drugs, and weapons are involved. To some, flight is admitting defeat and losing face.
An opponent may expect others to be hostile or frightened. Why not be confident and prepared with unexpected responses? The following worksheet may show you additional choices.
Nonviolent Self-Defense Worksheet Download |