#STOPTHEVIOLENCE

Violence has plagued humanity throughout history for as long as we can remember. From wars and terrorism to domestic violence and street violence, it has inflicted harmful suffering on us, and has hindered our progress as a civilization. We need to recognize that violence is not the solution to our problems and it is in our best interest to stop it, in order to unlock our unlimited potential.

The most obvious reason why we need to stop the violence is because it has a devastating impact on our physical and mental health. Victims of violence often suffer from serious physical injuries, such as broken bones, bruises, and scars, which can take years to heal. Who wants that? Victims may also suffer from mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Putting a stop to violence can ensure that all people are safe and healthy, which will enable everyone the necessary peace to succeed and break barriers.

According to Dr. James Gilligan, a psychiatrist and professor at New York University, "Violence is a public health crisis that affects us all. It is not only a moral issue, but also a medical and social issue." Dr. Gilligan has spent his career studying violence and its causes, and he believes that we need to address the root causes of violence, such as poverty, inequality, and trauma, in order to prevent it. Dr. Gilligan's view is supported by Dr. Gary Slutkin, an epidemiologist and founder of Cure Violence, a global public health organization that works to reduce violence. Dr. Slutkin argues that violence is contagious, like a disease, and that we need to treat it as such. "We need to interrupt the transmission of violence, just as we would interrupt the transmission of a virus," he says. "We need to change the norms and behaviors that lead to violence, and create a culture of non-violence."

Ironically, violence is a waste of our resources. Wars, terrorism, and crime consume a significant amount of resources, including money, time, and energy, which could be better spent on improving our lives. “The economic cost of violence is staggering, from the direct costs of medical treatment and law enforcement to the indirect costs of lost productivity and reduced quality of life," says Dr. Rachel Davis, a researcher at the Institute for Economics and Peace. "For example, in the United States, the cost of gun violence alone is estimated to be $229 billion per year." The resources that are invested in violence could be used to improve education, healthcare, and infrastructure, which would have a positive impact on society as a whole.

When people resort to violence to solve their problems, it creates a vicious cycle that is difficult to break. For instance, domestic violence affects all individuals involved, especially children who are particularly vulnerable to becoming victims or perpetrators of the actions they witness. Violence can also lead to retaliation, which can then lead to further violence. This cycle of violence can continue for years, causing generational suffering to those involved. This is evident in most of our communities around the world. These cycles need to be broken to create a more peaceful and harmonious society.

Artists, especially musicians in the hip hop genre, have been criticized for the violent lyrics and lifestyles they are perceived to promote. Their critics often overlook the trauma most of these artists deal with being born into violent environments designed to work against them. In spite of this, artists like NBA Youngboy, Lil Durk, and Fivio Foreign have recognized their impact on society and have used their platform to advocate for the stop of violence. The Stop The Violence movement encourages musicians, as well as individuals in all walks of life, to embrace non-violent practices, and to use their influence to promote peace and unity. Through this movement, we can hope to see a reduction in violent behaviors.

Ending violence is long overdue, and it’s past the time we break the taboo around the conversation. We have an overwhelming responsibility to understand and tolerate one another for the sake of our children and our future on this planet. Compromise has long proven to be a better approach to conflict resolution than division. By collectively addressing the root causes of violence, such as poverty, inequality, and trauma, and creating a culture of non-violence, we can achieve a more peaceful and prosperous world. OR……