Journal 9

Journal 9: What factors influence conflict dynamics as we look at why indiviudals, groups, and nations engage in conflict? Why do you think humans seem so willing to commit horrible acts of autrocity against other humans in the name of justice, security, and peace?

We talked in class a while back about a similar topic and I thought a very interesting aspect was the idea that people go as far as they are pushed. But when you push them too far, they are too invested and will refuse to give up. At that point they feel they have nothing to loose and everything to gain. When they reach that point they might go to extremes beyond what would normally be expected, a suicide bomber (in my mind), must be pushed to an extreme before they would be willing to give their life in such a dramatic and destined way (as opposed to fighting traditionally where they have a chance of surviving).

The second part of this question really bothers me because I think about it a lot. (okay, okay, I usually end up crying if I even try to talk about it out loud with other people so writing is good). But a person wouldn't do something they think is wrong right? (my whole argument is based off that assumption and (as of right now) I truly think it is right) In that argument Hitler thought he was doing the right thing. Now what I can't understand why he thought it was the right thing. But in general when these horrible things happen they happen because someone things it is the right thing to do. Usually not just for them, but for the good of a group, or a whole. When you are doing something "chivalrous" for someone else perhaps it's easier to justify the whole action. You are not being slefISH you are being selfLESS. Perhaps that's the way they see it.
I don't have a good answer for that. I just kind of thought out loud on a computer. I tried to link my thoughts but if I didn't I'm sorry and if you ask I will try to clear them up.

-Laura Lou