Latest update April 30th, 2024 12:59 AM
Nov 13, 2011 Editorial
With two weeks to E-Day, maybe it is time to talk about co-existence, even though the politicians seem determined to keep it off the agenda. Coexistence is a state in which two or more groups are living together while respecting their differences and resolving their conflicts nonviolently. Wouldn’t this be a minimum condition that we should create in our divided land?
Initially a cover for aggression during the “Cold War”, it developed as a tool for reframing the relationship between groups competing for space – political or otherwise.
Coexistence has been defined in numerous ways: To exist together (in time or place) and to exist in mutual tolerance; to learn to recognize and live with difference; to have a relationship between persons or groups in which none of the parties is trying to destroy the other and to interact with a commitment to tolerance, mutual respect, and the agreement to settle conflicts without recourse to violence.
At the core of coexistence is the awareness that individuals and groups differ in numerous ways including class, ethnicity, religion, gender, and political inclination. These group identities may be the causes of conflicts, contribute to the causes of conflicts, or may be solidified as conflicts develop and escalate. An acceptance of coexistence, however, diminishes the likelihood that identity group differences will be provoked into open conflict. An acceptance of “unity is diversity” should be de rigueur for all our politicians.
Coexistence normally exists before and after violent conflict. However, it is not static. Like all social environments, it fluctuates, depending on the level of social interaction. Coexistence exists in situations where individuals and communities actively accept and embrace diversity (active coexistence) and where individuals and communities merely tolerate other groups (passive coexistence). Communities that are not experiencing violent conflict can be located anywhere within this range. Where are we in Guyana?
Passive coexistence occurs where relationships are characterized by unequal power relationships, little inter-group contact, and little equity. In short, the principles of social justice are not apparent here.
While this type of environment may lack violence, the continuation of unequal relationships is unlikely to lead to the resolution of conflict. Institutions in this environment are not designed to support equality; consequently unjust and oppressive structures can be maintained. These structures often impede community growth, peace processes, and the development of democracy. Yet since inter-group conflict is not widespread, the groups can still be said to coexist without violence.
In active coexistence, relationships are characterized by a recognition and respect for diversity and an active embrace of difference, equal access to resources and opportunities, and equity in all aspects of life. This type of coexistence fosters peace and social cohesion based on justice, equality, inclusion, and equity.
In addition, institutions in this environment are designed to ensure fairness. This has to be our ideal for Guyana.
A state of coexistence provides psychological and physical conditions for individuals, organizations, and/or communities to reduce tensions. Institutions such as the ERC were created to identify and resolve the causes of conflict in our society. A pro-active approach is crucial to create an environment in which the causes of conflict can be addressed and peace can be envisioned, negotiated, and achieved.
Those who point to our peaceful interactions in the markets miss the point. The major parties can use the present campaign to initiate a coexistence era that will allow common interests (such as economic ones) to emerge.
The tools of coexistence are all geared towards preventing, reducing, and eliminating violence in an effort to take societies towards increased integration. In addition to functioning as a framing mechanism, coexistence therefore becomes a term with which different types of peace work can be discussed. This broad and inclusive approach is fundamental in the transition from conflict to passive coexistence and then to active coexistence, to the development of peace practice, and to the creation of the sustainable peace we all want in Guyana.
Is this too much to ask of our politicians who unfortunately seem determined to court conflict with their provocative statements?
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