When an artist creates something, they have their own point
of view. Anyone that looks upon that creation can have a different
interpretation of that creation. Such is what I have done with Samuel
Huntington’s book The Clash of Civilizations. The source of conflict is
certainly the clash of different paths, however the clash begins in the mind of
the individual. The conflict is not about the differences of civilizations, the
conflict is the differences of choice each of us make every day and what being
free really is.
Often we confuse choice with freedom due to how we see and
understand the world. How we see the world is slowly developed each day. With
each day the lens of understanding becomes narrower. As our understanding
narrows, our choices also narrow. How we live and plan for the future is also
impacted even though we still cling to the idea that we are acting freely. For
example, the lens of how to build a peaceful society is the same lens used to
build criminal organizations. The difference is the focus, intent, choices, and
goals we choose to make.
At this point, we must think about the reality of freedom
and ask if a child who is taught to be racist was free to choose such a path? Going
along the same idea that each person born will only be racist if they are
taught to be so, the need for education is clearly understood. Furthermore, the
need to understand that a child is going to be moulded by the information provided.
Taking a step back, the adult who decides what information is going to be
provided begins the process of the conflict within the mind. Thus the clash of
civilization begins in the mind of the individual.
This is why we must focus on peace, how to be peaceful, how
to maintain inner personal peace. From there we need to bring these tools to
the children and support them in all the efforts that encompass building a
peaceful society.
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