European Identity - Individual, Group and Society - HumanitarianNet

290 EUROPEAN IDENTITY. INDIVIDUAL, GROUP AND SOCIETYwell as of the rest. Hence, IDENTITY and CONFLICT are dependentupon each other and mutually reinforcing. The better one managesconflict, the better identity claims can be addressed and vice versa.PacifismOne example of shared identity features that mobilise individualsand groups and which is relevant to the issues addressed in thisseminar is undoubtedly PACIFISM. Etymologically deriving from PEACE,PACIFISM should be understood as a way of thinking and acting that isrooted in the STRONG belief in and SUSTAINED non-violent strugglefor a society that is FREE FROM FEAR, TERROR, HUMILIATION,HUNGER, DISEASE, INJUSTICE AND INEQUALITY. In its strict and noblesense, PACIFISM means a peaceful march towards FULL FREEDOM,JUSTICE, DIGNITY and HARMONY. It is a style of living that peoplefreely choose in order to be in harmony with themselves and withothers.Pacifism and construction of transversal and globalizedidentitiesObviously, no identity feature can be more attractive and challengingat the same time as PACIFISM. Unlike other identity features (such aslanguage, territory, citizenship, gender, professional occupation),PACIFISM is unique in that it is transcendental and gathers people fromother identity groups and communities across regions, nations andcontinents. Within anti-Globalisation groups, there are pacifists andnon-pacifists; within human rights campaigners, there are pacifists andnon-pacifists, etc. In this sense, PACIFISM has an added value in that ithelps construct TRANSVERSAL and GLOBALISED IDENTITIES, that is,identities that cut cross cultures, societies, territories, ages, beliefs andprofessions and social status. Historical persons like Mahtma Gandhi,Luther King, Robert Schuman, Nelson Mandela and those who havechosen to follow their path have in common the strong conviction inthe potential of human beings to join their efforts and peacefully fightfor a peaceful and prosperous world, using the force of the argumentinstead of the argument of the force. Through a long and sustainednon-violent struggle, Gandhi, King, Schuman and Mandela have madetheir DREAM come true to the great admiration satisfaction of theentire world.