Nonviolence is not passivity

Nonviolence is not passive submission. Nonviolence is an active form of resistance. It involves creative, deliberate actions to confront injustice and disrupt oppressive systems without resorting to violence.

Courage and determination are essential, as nonviolence often demands significant personal and collective sacrifice. As Dr. King used to say to his followers, nonviolence does not mean there will not be violence. It means that only the oppressors will use violence as a tool. We must never resort to violence in opposition or we lose the moral high ground.

Nonviolence does not mean the absence of anger. Anger at injustice is valid and can fuel resistance. The challenge is to channel this energy into constructive and disciplined action rather than reactive violence.

Nonviolence is a mindset, not a permission slip for submission. Accepting nonviolence as resistance doesn’t mean you don’t defend yourself from a personal, civilian attack. If someone strikes you, defend yourself and neutralize the threat. Nonviolence means you act against the oppressors without resorting to violence. You will never overpower a police force, security forces, or military forces. Your power comes from knowing you may be a victim of overwhelming violence and still committing to resistance anyway.

Nonviolence does not mean you are passive. You are actively chosing to wage the battle on a different field, knowing the consequences.