Imperious Entertainment

It took Huey the entire episode to realize that the use of the term peace was not meant as a way to sign off, but an actual call to action.

A few days later, I found my Blackalicious CD Nia (it’s been a few years), and came across the above lines from the song “Shallow Days”:

The word "peace" is just an expression
Used to say bye when it's time to jet
Blackalicious, “Shallow Days”

This context made me start asking the question: given the overuse of the term peace, what is its meaning in contemporary society? People are quick to use it instead of “goodbye”, but what is the true meaning of this word?

In my initial estimation, the term has been mis- and overused in popular culture, thereby losing a great deal of its initially intended meaning. However, I did not have a real basis for this assertion, rather, just a gut feeling. So, I looked up the word in the dictionary and found the following:

Main Entry:
1peace
Pronunciation:
\ˈpēs\
Function:
noun
Etymology:
Middle English pees, from Anglo-French pes, pees, from Latin pac-, pax; akin to Latin pacisci to agree
Date:
12th century

1: a state of tranquillity or quiet: as a: freedom from civil disturbance b: a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom 2: freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions3: harmony in personal relations4 a: a state or period of mutual concord between governments b: a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity5—used interjectionally to ask for silence or calm or as a greeting or farewell

— at peace

: in a state of concord or tranquillity

This definition simply refers to a state of social tranquility, but there is something missing. I then remembered participating in many social protests where the now almost clichéd chant “No justice, no peace” is frequently used as a rallying cry.

A popular (mis)understanding of the word peace seems to imply that all those who disrupt the flow of society are working against this goal. However, in an injustice state, it is necessary to disrupt the status quo. In the absence of this action, we are all culpable in the passive oppression of our fellow brothers and sisters whether it be along racial, class, gender, or sexual orientation lines.

Thus, true peacemakers must be immersed in the struggle in the same sense that Frederick Douglass said, “If there is no struggle, there is no progress”. So, I offer this: when we sign off on emails or telephone conversations with peace, let us own the term. Consciously take back the meaning behind this potentially powerful word, and let us use it as an affirmation of our commitment to the struggle that can help realize a vision of a just and tranquil future.

Peace,

NC

Comments (2)

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written by Lorelle , November 28, 2007

More quotes... I like these ones. Let us indeed embrace the meaning of peace, Nolan, especially in our everyday lives.

We can very well set a mood of peace out of which a system of peace can be built. Racial injustice around the world. Poverty. War. When man solves these three great problems he will have squared his moral progress with his scientific progress. And more importantly, he will have learned the practical art of living in harmony.

--Martin Luther King, Jr., "DREAMS OF BRIGHTER TOMORROWS" (March 1965)

There is no way to peace; peace is the way.

--A.J. Muste, undated

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written by monica , December 17, 2007

peace back to you. i'll miss seeing you and your gruntled self in moore hall next year -- be sure to stay in touch with all of us who are left on the mothership!

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