Tim Lee

Prompt: It is how we resolve conflict that matters the most

An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind. The words
of Mahatma Ghandi illustrate a world encompassed by constant
violent conflict. Altercations are present throughout society,
separating each other and destroying the unity that we desire. As
Ghandi stated, violence can never resolve conflict, but only
exacerbate the situation. Similarly, individuals who do not discuss
with open minds risk further conflict. To truly resolve conflict,
individuals must come to agreement with not only themselves, but
also with their enemies through passive means.
Those who seek to subdue their enemies by inflicting suffering and
pain cannot truly resolve their conflict. Although violence ends with
a victor and a loser, no side is truly victorious, as the damage is
inflicted both ways. The impact of using violence as a means of
resolution can only induce further vexation between individuals and
groups, prolonging the process of resolution or even no resolution.
Similarly in Asghar Farhadis film, A Separation, Nader and Hojjats
initial strife is further ignited through Hojjats tempered nature,
often having violent outbursts during tense times. In the scene at
the hospital, Naders initially showed compassion for the
miscarriage but is changed by Hojjats aggressive attack. His act of
violence only worsens the situation, causing Naders reluctance to
communicate with Hojjat. The barrier created by Hojjats act of
violence only further ignited conflict between the two families,
prolonging the process of resolution and eventually no resolution.
This highlights the difficulty in reaching resolution when violence is
incorporated into the initial altercation. Violence often creates a
barrier in communication, as often it blocks reasonable and sensible
thoughts. When individuals intend to harm one another, ideas
behind initial conflict are no longer the driving factor behind the
dispute, but rather the violence that has occurred.
Similarly, those who refuse to acknowledge the convoluted nature of
conflict, risk further exacerbating the divergence between
individuals. Stubbornness and pride often prevent people from
accepting resolution, as it is often seen as a sign of weakness.
Comparably in A Separation, Hojjat and Naders pride prevented
both individuals from seeing the complexity of their situation,
preventing peaceful discussions for resolution. This is evident in
Raziehs demand of innocence from Naders missing money. Razieh
being a devout Muslim, forces her to live in fear of sinning, although
this aspect of Razieh is evident, Naders pride fuelled with rage,
from Raziehs poor treatment of his father, prevents him from
rational thoughts and seeing the unlikeliness of Raziehs presumed
crimes. His pride prevented him from listening to Raziehs reason,
causing the resolution to be prolonged. Similarly, this can be seen in

Tim Lee
modern society with the controversial claiming of Senkaku islands
by both the Japanese and Chinese government. Although the island
is uninhabitable, the two countries dispute over the island for their
own selfish desires. The pride of the two nations creates barriers in
communication to see who rightfully owns the land, at the risk of
starting World War III. The two countries have taken the matter to
the International Court, as two countries are unable to communicate
with each other. When individuals are unable to listen with open
minds, conflict is inevitable. It is often the refusal to listen to
opposition parties that exacerbate situations, and risking no
resolution between parties.
To truly bring conflict to an end, individuals must come to resolution
through passive means. Individuals must transcend above their own
desires and reach common ground for resolution to be achieved.
Through passive means, individuals are allowed to express their
ideas and thoughts with one another, allowing them to see the
alternative side to the initial altercation. Indra Ghandi once said
you cannot shake hands with a clenched fist, conveying that
negotiations must be made with open minds. In 2011, Queen
Elizabeths handshake with Martin McGuinness was hailed as a
historic act of reconciliation between Northern Ireland and Great
Britain of a conflict lasting for 30 years between the two nations.
Although the handshake itself did not resolve the conflict, discussion
with open minds resolved the conflict, symbolising how open minds
with passive means can resolve altercations between parties. This is
further evident in A Separation, with Simin, Azam and Raziehs
discussion about the miscarriage. The characters in the scene
remained calm and listened with open minds about the incident
without resulting to violence to send their message across. The
women were able to resolve their conflict, but the men remained
trapped within their dispute. This reveals the notion of how violence
only worsens conflicts, rather than resolve it. When individuals listen
with open minds, resolution can be achieved, as often the opposing
side will be able to understand and comprehend the alternative
view.
The convoluted nature of conflict often prevents peaceful resolution
between different groups. It is often thought that power and
authority resolve conflict, but often ignites further dispute. To truly
resolve conflict, individuals must accept their wrongdoing and come
to an agreement through passive means.