David Whippy, an assistant professor of intercultural peacebuilding at BYU–Hawaii, explained how conflicts can affect a community and what steps others can take to establish peace in their communities.
With the rising conflicts we have today regarding the division of humankind, how has this affected our society?
“I believe it depends on the society in question. Some societies are more liberal, while others are more conservative. Some are more religious and others are secular. The culture, identities, and histories within our communities tend to shape the way we are and the way we address conflict. Conflicts can be an opportunity for learning and growth, or division... More connects us than separates us, but in times of crisis the wise build bridges, while the foolish build barriers... The bridges or the barriers influence the way we are towards others and impact the way our communities are.”
What usually sparks contention within these groups or even countries as a whole?
“There are a number of factors that can incite contention. Specifically, on the grounds of racism, neglect for the LGBTQ community, and discrimination. Misunderstanding, disrespect, and intolerance are some of the first that come to mind, but you can’t generalize these issues into a ‘one size fits all’ analysis or solution. I recommend we look at these issues and conflicts on an individual basis and contextualize it to the space and culture of the locale.”
What are the main problems that hinder us from being more understanding of other people?
“Culture, our learned living experiences, world views, values, etc. ... These are important parts of our identity and make us who we are. What they also do is hard wire a way of seeing and engaging with the world around us. I see it as our personal cognitive ‘go-to-manual.’ Misunderstanding can occur when we prescribe these characteristics on others and judge them according to it. Misunderstanding is also tied to personal, cultural assumptions, miscommunication, and not allowing ourselves to be open and teachable on new ideas.”
How should we approach a situation where someone is starting to hurt other people?
“We should communicate with the person in question. Sometimes recognizing that they are being observed ends the conflict. We should call and report it to the necessary authorities. BYU–Hawaii has the Title IX office, the Department of Public Safety, and Counseling Services who have experts who would be able to help in these situations. Sometimes immediate action is needed, but I would recommend being cautious in these instances, as the physical confrontation can extend to you as the intervener. Your safety is also important. If you feel the situation calls for it, we also have the HPD 911 available.”
What are some ways we can resolve conflict within our communities?
“Again, each community is different, but if I had to prescribe an umbrella way of approaching it, I would recommend these steps:
• Acknowledge there is a conflict. This includes naming the conflict and analyzing how it has affected individuals and the community as a whole.
• Provide a space where dialogue can take place. Communication between all parties can be difficult, but it is a part of the resolution process.
• Work on a solution [where] all parties are content and can live with [it]. This is the middle ground. The best case scenario is all parties get all their needs and concerns met, and worst case scenario is only one party is satisfied.
• Respect the local culture and conflict resolution traditions.”
How do we build or maintain an environment filled with peace and unity among its members?
“By being respectful, understanding, patient and open with others. Get out of your comfort zone and learn about others’ cultures and educate your peers about yours. BYU–Hawaii is the perfect place for this. As we do this, our knowledge and understanding grow. We gain insights on how to navigate a community and world with a plethora of cultures, ethnicities, and nationalities.”
How important is it to have good relationships with those around us?
“[It is] very important. Good relations with others set the foundation for peaceful communities. Two of the main characteristics of a Zion society is love for others and service, for when ‘ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God’ (Mosiah 2:17). The end goal of peacebuilding is not merely to stop conflict, but to ultimately create Zion communities.”
Efforts in establishing peace can be made in small or big projects. As students, what can we contribute to the overall process?
We can contribute by getting involved. The Service Center, and a number of different academic programs and community service projects, we can be a part of. President David O. McKay’s vision for students of the school was to be influences of good, and we can start this in our relationships and our communities.”
If someone wants to start learning more about peacebuilding and has a desire to help with different organizations, what are some things you recommend to them?
“I would advise them to take some peacebuilding classes. Much like psychology or political science or social work, the discipline comes with a number of branches and sections, which contribute to it holistically. From within these branches, an individual would be able to focus on what they are most interested in – with readings and specific organizations highlighted within these sections.”