We can’t achieve peace without addressing structural violence | Temi Mwale | TEDxWarwick

Summary

In this powerful reflection, the speaker shares their journey working to reduce violence, drawing on personal experiences of loss and trauma. They discuss their travels to cities like Rio and Chicago, observing how systemic issues like police violence, racial inequality, and a lack of support for trauma survivors perpetuate cycles of violence. Emphasizing the need for a public health approach, the speaker advocates for holistic, long-term solutions—investing in education, mental health, and community resources. They argue that true freedom means healing from violence and fostering communities where young people can thrive, not just survive.

Takeaways

• 😀 Violence is deeply interconnected with social, political, and economic issues, and communities affected by it are often trapped in a state of perpetual trauma.
• 😀 Personal pain can be transformed into purpose, as exemplified by the speaker and Alan, who have both turned their experiences of loss into efforts to help reduce violence in their communities.
• 😀 A significant gap exists in the support systems for young people affected by violence, with many having never accessed the mental health care they need to cope with trauma.
• 😀 A culture of desensitization to violence has emerged in communities exposed to high levels of violence, where it is normalized rather than addressed.
• 😀 Providing support for young people who have experienced violence involves more than just telling them violence is wrong; it requires showing them that violence is not normal through adequate care and therapeutic interventions.
• 😀 The over-reliance on punitive criminal justice models is ineffective in addressing the root causes of violence, and there is a pressing need for a public health approach to violence prevention.
• 😀 Police violence, especially against marginalized communities, exacerbates cycles of violence. The lack of accountability and the trust deficit between police and communities needs to be addressed through reforms like Truth and Reconciliation processes.
• 😀 Inequality and racial trauma are key contributors to violence, particularly for young black boys, who face disproportionate violence both from police and within the justice system.
• 😀 Structural barriers, such as racial discrimination and lack of support, significantly impact young people’s ability to thrive, leading to increased involvement in violence.
• 😀 Real peace cannot be achieved without addressing systemic issues. It requires substantial investments in education, health, and community resources, alongside dismantling harmful institutional systems that perpetuate violence.

Q & A

What inspired the speaker to start working in the field of violence reduction?

The speaker was inspired by the tragic loss of their childhood friend, Marvin, who was shot and killed just before his 18th birthday. This personal loss led the speaker to set up the Forefront Projects, aiming to empower communities to live free from violence and to work with young people affected by violence.

What is the main mission of Brazil Campeão (Embracing Champions)?

Brazil Campeão is a community organization founded by Elan, which uses boxing, mentoring, and personal development to inspire young people and reduce violence. The organization aims to support youth in transforming their pain into purpose.

How does the speaker's experience relate to Elan's work in Brazil?

Both the speaker and Elan have experienced significant personal pain from violence—Elan losing over 10 family members to gun violence, and the speaker losing their friend Marvin. This shared experience of transforming pain into purpose is a core element that connects the speaker to Elan's work.

What are some of the root causes of violence mentioned in the script?

Violence is described as being deeply tied to social, political, economic, and personal issues. It is a complex problem that involves structural inequalities, racial trauma, exposure to violence, lack of trust in authorities, and insufficient mental health support.

What is the significance of 'perpetual community trauma' in the context of violence?

Perpetual community trauma refers to the constant state of pain and stress experienced by communities that face regular exposure to violence. This ongoing trauma makes healing difficult, as violent incidents often occur before individuals have a chance to process the pain from previous events.

Why does the speaker emphasize the need for specialized support for young people who have been violently attacked?

The speaker argues that young people who have been violently attacked often do not receive the necessary emotional or psychological support. Without understanding the long-term impacts of violence, such as anxiety, fear, and anger, these young people cannot properly cope with their trauma, leading to further issues.

How does the speaker critique the current approach to violence in society?

The speaker critiques the over-reliance on punitive measures, such as police and military responses, instead of focusing on healing and public health approaches. The speaker stresses the importance of providing holistic, long-term support that includes mental health services, education, and community-based interventions.

What is the connection between institutional violence and community violence?

Institutional violence, such as police brutality, exacerbates community violence by increasing fear, eroding trust in authorities, and reinforcing cycles of retaliation. Communities that experience violence from state actors, like the police, often see this as a greater threat than criminal elements within their own neighborhoods.

What role does racial trauma play in the cycle of violence?

Racial trauma contributes to the cycle of violence by disproportionately affecting young black people, who face systemic barriers in education, employment, and the criminal justice system. This ongoing racial injustice adds to the trauma experienced by these communities, perpetuating feelings of hopelessness and aggression.

What is the speaker's vision of peace and freedom in relation to the issues discussed?

The speaker envisions peace as more than just the absence of violence. True peace is freedom—the freedom to grow, to be oneself, and to live without fear. The speaker highlights that freedom for young people means having a stake in society, feeling valued, and having the opportunity to thrive, not just survive.