Republic of the Philippines

SULTAN KUDARAT STATE UNIVERSITY

Tacurong City

SPIRAL OF VIOLENCE BY DOM HELDER CAMARA

ANGELICA E. RAFAEL
JULIANA GLAIZE GEPOLANE
SHAIRA JANE MATIAS

SUBMITTED FOR THE SUBJECT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT,

SULTAN KUDARAT STATE UNIVERSITY,
TACURONG CAMPUS,
TACURONG CITY

CRIS JOHN BRYAN C. DELA CRUZ, PhD

Instructor

OCTOBER 2023

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© Sultan Kudarat State University. Philippines. 2023
 Republic of the Philippines
SULTAN KUDARAT STATE UNIVERSITY
Tacurong City

ARTICLE REVIEW

INTRODUCTION

"Spiral of Violence" by Dom Helder Camara is a thought-provoking essay that delves into the
complex and troubling concept of violence within societies. Published in 1971, this work remains
highly relevant today as it explores the cyclical nature of violence and its pervasive influence on
human interactions. Camara, a prominent Brazilian Archbishop and social activist, offers profound
insights into the destructive patterns of violence and the urgent need for transformative change. In this
review, we will delve into the core themes and arguments presented in "Spiral of Violence," shedding
light on its enduring relevance in our contemporary world.

Camara begins his essay by highlighting the interconnectedness of various forms of violence,
both physical and structural. He argues that violence begets more violence, creating a vicious cycle
that entraps individuals and communities. The author emphasizes that the roots of violence extend
beyond isolated incidents; they are deeply embedded in societal structures, injustices, and power
differentials.

Furthermore, Camara discusses how violence can manifest not only as physical aggression
but also as economic exploitation, social inequality, and psychological oppression. He emphasizes
that these non-physical forms of violence can be equally damaging and perpetuate the cycle. In a
world marked by systemic inequalities, this perspective resonates profoundly, making "Spiral of
Violence" a critical analysis of the multifaceted nature of social unrest. The essay also delves into the
moral and ethical dimensions of violence. Camara calls for a profound change in perspective and
urges individuals and societies to break free from the spiral of violence through non-violent resistance
and active pursuit of justice. He challenges readers to reflect on their role in perpetuating or
countering violence, ultimately encouraging a shift towards a more compassionate and just world.

In summary, "Spiral of Violence" provides a powerful exploration of violence's all-

encompassing nature and its ramifications on society. Through the lens of Dom Helder Camara,
readers are compelled to contemplate their own roles in this cycle and to consider the possibilities of
a more peaceful and equitable world. This review will further dissect the main arguments and insights

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© Sultan Kudarat State University. Philippines. 2023
 Republic of the Philippines
SULTAN KUDARAT STATE UNIVERSITY
Tacurong City

presented by Camara, shedding light on his enduring impact on discussions surrounding violence and
social change. The essay also looks at the moral and ethical implications of violence. Camara
advocates for a profound shift in perspective, urging individuals and societies to break free from the
cycle of violence through nonviolent resistance and the active pursuit of justice. He asks readers to
consider their role in perpetuating or combating violence, with the goal of encouraging a shift towards
a more compassionate and just world.

In conclusion, "Spiral of Violence" is a powerful exploration of the all-encompassing nature of

violence and its consequences for society. Readers are compelled to consider their own roles in this
cycle, as well as the possibilities of a more peaceful and equitable world, through Dom Helder
Camara's lens. This review will further dissect Camara's main arguments and insights, shedding light
on his enduring impact on discussions about violence and social change.

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© Sultan Kudarat State University. Philippines. 2023
 Republic of the Philippines
SULTAN KUDARAT STATE UNIVERSITY
Tacurong City

KEY POINTS

In "Spiral of Violence," Hélder Câmara, delves into the complex nature of violence that exists
within societies. He introduces the concept of a "Spiral of Violence," which is a cycle where
oppression, injustice, and violence feed into each other, leading to a perpetual and destructive
pattern.

Oppression as the Starting Point: The spiral begins with the existence of oppression and
inequality in society. This oppression can be economic,
social, political, or cultural in nature. It is the root cause that
ignites the spiral.

Initial Violence and Reaction: As people experience oppression, they may resort to
violence as a means of resistance or protest. This violence is
often seen as a reaction to the initial oppression.

Counter-Violence: In response to this violence, those in power or the

oppressors may use counter-violence to maintain control.
This retaliation further exacerbates the situation and
escalates the level of violence in society.

Escalation and Escalation: The cycle then continues to escalate as each act of violence
begets another. This escalation often leads to an increased
willingness to use violence as a means of achieving one's
goals or protecting one's interests.

Dehumanization: A crucial aspect of the spiral is the dehumanization of the

"other." Those involved in the conflict start to view their
adversaries as less than human, making it easier to justify
violence against them.

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© Sultan Kudarat State University. Philippines. 2023
 Republic of the Philippines
SULTAN KUDARAT STATE UNIVERSITY
Tacurong City

Destruction and Suffering: As the spiral of violence intensifies, it results in destruction,

suffering, and loss on a significant scale, affecting both the
oppressed and the oppressors.

Hopelessness: The ongoing cycle of violence can lead to a sense of

hopelessness, where people see no way out of the situation
and believe that violence is the only means of addressing
their grievances.

Breaking the Spiral: Hélder Câmara emphasizes the importance of breaking this
destructive cycle of violence. He suggests that individuals
and communities must find nonviolent means to address the
root causes of oppression and injustice.

Building a Culture of Peace: To escape the spiral, Hélder Câmara encourages the
development of a culture of peace, reconciliation, and
dialogue. This involves respecting the humanity of others
and working towards a just and equitable society.

Conclusion

In "Spiral of Violence," Hélder Câmara highlights the need for individuals and societies to
recognize and resist the destructive nature of the cycle of violence. By addressing the root causes of
oppression and promoting peaceful solutions, it is possible to break free from this destructive spiral
and build a more just and humane world.

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© Sultan Kudarat State University. Philippines. 2023
 Republic of the Philippines
SULTAN KUDARAT STATE UNIVERSITY
Tacurong City

INSIGHT

According to Da Gama (2018) violence attracts violence emphasizes that no one is born to be
a slave or desires to endure injustices and restrictions. It discusses how privileged groups perpetuate
a sub-human condition that leads to suffering and injustice. This violence (violence No. 1) provokes a
response, violence No. 2, which can manifest as the oppressed rebelling or youth fighting for a more
just world. The authorities and privileged label those advocating change as "subversive elements" or
"communists." The passage argues that such labeling is often misguided and that the oppressed are
becoming aware of their situation.

It highlights two counter-arguments against the authorities' attitude: the spread of ideas is
inevitable in the modern world, and extreme anti-communism can lead to the perpetuation of
injustices. When the masses lack hope or are temporarily subdued, the youth often take up the cause.
The young, disillusioned with governments and religious institutions, may turn to radical action and
violence in their pursuit of justice. The passage asserts that peace based on injustices is false and
that injustices ultimately lead to revolt, either from the oppressed or from determined young people
fighting for a more just and humane world.

Whether one agrees or disagrees with this concept often depends on one's perspective and
the specific context in which it is applied. Some may disagree with the concept if they believe in more
confrontational or aggressive approaches to conflict resolution. However, we and practitioners in the
fields of peace studies, conflict resolution, and social justice agree and support the principles
underlying the Spiral of Violence as a means of achieving a more peaceful and just society.

Ultimately, the value and applicability of the Spiral of Violence concept may vary depending on
the specific circumstances and the beliefs of those involved in a given conflict or social justice
movement. It is an important framework for analysis and discussion, and its effectiveness in
addressing violence and promoting nonviolent alternatives has been recognized in various contexts.

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© Sultan Kudarat State University. Philippines. 2023
 Republic of the Philippines
SULTAN KUDARAT STATE UNIVERSITY
Tacurong City

REFLECTION

The spiral of violence can only lead to more violence. The brutality tradition is first cultivated in
initiation rites, where the neophytes consciousness is subsequently shaped. These hazing practices
are designed to cut neophytes off from their previous connections, as if the fraternity is their only
source of affiliation. Meanwhile, the neophytes, disassociated as they are, willingly subject
themselves to practises they would otherwise reject in normal circumstances. The members
punishing display of authority further forces the neophytes into submission, reinforcing the fraternities
strict, autocratic echelon. In the process, neophytes become slaves to their dominant masters.

The spiral of violence is replicated through initiation. Those who survive the brotherhoods rite
of passage take it upon themselves to show off their newly discovered sense of self. The slaves rise
to the position of warlords, unafraid to challenge other competing fraternities. This arrogant display of
power, often misinterpreted as empowerment, seeks the flimsiest excuse to unleash the most vicious
abuse ambushes on lone members of a rival fraternity and melees sparked by mere eye contact. The
brothers hide their faces behind masks while performing these acts, as if to absolve themselves of
responsibility for such heinousness.

In its counter-insurgency efforts, the government should limit both its use of force and the role
of self-defense groups, and develop a more integrated approach to security. In the long run, resolving
land disputes, which frequently fuel local conflicts, is a top priority in addressing the Philippine's crisis.

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© Sultan Kudarat State University. Philippines. 2023
 Republic of the Philippines
SULTAN KUDARAT STATE UNIVERSITY
Tacurong City

References

Da Gama, R. (2018, July 1). Dom Hélder Câmara: Violence attracts Violence. JazzdaGama.

https://jazzdagama.com/imperatives/dom-helder-camara-violence-attracts-violence/

Philippine Collegian. (2022, July 4). Spiral of Violence.

https://phkule.org/article/584/spiral-of-violence

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© Sultan Kudarat State University. Philippines. 2023
 Republic of the Philippines
SULTAN KUDARAT STATE UNIVERSITY
Tacurong City

Appendices

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© Sultan Kudarat State University. Philippines. 2023
 Republic of the Philippines
SULTAN KUDARAT STATE UNIVERSITY
Tacurong City

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© Sultan Kudarat State University. Philippines. 2023
 Republic of the Philippines
SULTAN KUDARAT STATE UNIVERSITY
Tacurong City

General Instruction/s: Follow the format below in writing your review. The parts are specified to give
you the order/ sequence on how it should be presented. However, do not put
the parts as separators instead write fluidly in narrative form.
Note: Do not include this part on your submission. Submit your output only.

Part I. Introduction:
- Provide an introduction of your topic (article on review); background of the expected discussion
using deductive method
- This may be 3 to 5 paragraphs
- Observe proper referencing. Use American Psychological Association (APA) format (if you are not
familiar, please search and learn)

Part II: Key points

- Provide/ enumerate the key point/s in the article
- Do not use bullet points
- Explain in length using narrative form

Part III: Insights

- Do you agree/ disagree with these points (the one/s you enumerated and discussed on part II (key
points)
- Explain in depth
- Provide citations/ related readings to support your responses

Part IV: Reflection

- Dig on the applicability/ relativeness /relatedness of the discussion on our country
- Do these concepts relate/ apply/ influence/ connect with our country’s context?
- If there is a problem, how can we address it?
- What are your personal thoughts/ opinions/ reflection?

References
- APA Format
- Arrange in Alphabetical Order

Appendices
-The print screen of your anti-plagiarism result

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 Republic of the Philippines
SULTAN KUDARAT STATE UNIVERSITY
Tacurong City

Important Reminders:

1. Avoid Plagiarism.

2. Use proper referencing (e.g. Avoid Plagiarism (Dela Cruz, 2020); According to Dela Cruz (2020);
plagiarism should be avoided.

3. Paraphrase borrowed (references) phrases, sentences, etc.

4. Use Turnitin if available. If not you can make use of online plagiarism checkers (e.g.
https://plagiarismdetector.net/ )

5. Have your output checked. After which, download and/ or print (print screen) the result and
attached it as an appendices.

6. You are only allowed to have at least 15% plagiarized content in this requirement. Your
requirement will not be accepted otherwise.

7. Avoid one (1) sentence paragraph.

8. Format
Paper size: Short/ letter (8.5X11)
Margin: Left: 1.50; Right: 1.0; Top: 1.0; Bottom: 1.0
Font Style: Arial
Font Size 12
Spacing: 1.50
Minimum Number of Pages: 5 Pages excluding cover page, References and Appendices.

9. The deadline of this is on ____________ at exactly 12:00 midnight

10. Do your best!

Example Paragraph
Social development is putting people forward in the heart of development initiatives- “people first” policy
(World Bank, 2019). Within this context, Social Development provides importance on the fact that the
fundamental factor in achieving a liveable and an amazing world putting into consideration the context of
societal and inclusive development is us, the people. Further, Filgueira (2019) suggests the idea that social
development has three slants: living standard/wellbeing, wealth dispersal, and social variation, which need to
be addressed to promote social justice, equity, and the promotion and preservation/protection of human
dignity. However, today, human society is confronted by the differences in social strata, determined by social
classes.

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© Sultan Kudarat State University. Philippines. 2023
 Republic of the Philippines
SULTAN KUDARAT STATE UNIVERSITY
Tacurong City

Example Plagiarism Test

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