Healing Resistance: A Radically Different Response to Harm by Kazu Haga | Goodreads
Healing Resistance: A Radically Different Response to Harm
by
Kazu Haga (Goodreads Author),
Bernard LaFayette Jr. (Foreword),
David C. Jehnsen (Foreword)
Healing Resistance: A Radically Different Response to Harm
by
Kazu Haga (Goodreads Author),
Bernard LaFayette Jr. (Foreword),
David C. Jehnsen (Foreword)
4.71 · Rating details · 177 ratings · 28 reviews
Activists and social change agents, restorative justice practitioners, faith leaders, and anybody engaged in social progress and shifting society will find this mindful approach to nonviolent action indispensable.
Nonviolence was once considered the highest form of activism and radical change. And yet its basic truth, its restorative power, has been forgotten. In Healing Resistance, leading Kingian Nonviolence trainer Kazu Haga blazingly reclaims the energy and assertiveness of nonviolent practice (utilized by the Women's March and Black Lives Matter), and proves that nonviolent civil resistance remains the most effective strategy for social change in hostile times.
With over 20 years of experience practicing and teaching Kingian Nonviolence, Haga offers us the practical approach to societal conflict first begun by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement, which has been developed into a fully workable, step-by-step training and deeply transformative philosophy. Kingian Nonviolence takes on the timely issues of endless protest and activist burnout, and presents tried-and-tested strategies for staying resilient, creating equity, and restoring peace. (less)
Review
"Kazu Haga's deep, nuanced, and principled commitment to nonviolence has challenged and inspired me and many others who've had the privilege of encountering his work."
--Michelle Alexander, author of The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness
To resist today's violence exploding everywhere, in ways that can actually heal our world, seems a pipe dream--until Kazu Haga makes it real. In his wry, funny, and utterly grounded fashion, he helps me believe we can do it, and begin to become the Beloved Community. We need this book like oxygen. Kazu is my teacher.
-- Joanna Macy, author of World as Lover, World as Self
Kazu Haga reminds us of the power of nonviolence, building on the work of Gandhi and King and informed by his own life and insight in a way that touches us all today. Haga teaches us that true belonging ... is a challenging process that takes constant work and training from the internal to the interpersonal to the institutional. But that the work is worth the reward of building Beloved Community. We owe a debt of gratitude to Haga for his work and words and have in this book a manual for loving and for living nonviolence that will guide and inspire generations to come.
--john a. powell, director of the Othering and Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley and author of Racing to Justice: Transforming Our Concept of Self and Other to Build an Inclusive Society
"Kazu Haga has written an accessible, thorough, and deeply personal introduction to nonviolence as a power for personal and social transformation. He reflects upon common myths about nonviolent resistance, offers practical insight from his own experiences, and challenges readers to consider a radical, healing approach to confronting injustice. An inspiring read."
--Erica Chenoweth, Berthold Beitz Professor in Human Rights and International Affairs at Harvard Kennedy School and author of Civil Resistance: What Everyone Needs to Know
Kazu Haga is a masterful teacher connecting our internal and external experiences: of intending, of doing, and of being--living together with care and justice.
-- Larry Yang, core teacher at the East Bay Meditation Center, member of the Spirit Rock Teachers Council, and author of Awakening Together: The Spiritual Practice of Inclusivity and Community
In Healing Resistance, Kazu Haga takes on the why of violence, breaks it down, and then builds us up for the work we need to do now."
--Mushim Patricia Ikeda, Buddhist teacher, racial justice community activist, and author of viral article "I Vow Not to Burn Out
"At a time when the literature is often divided between advocates of nonviolence out of principle and advocates of nonviolent action for strategic and utilitarian reasons, Kazu Haga puts forth a compelling argument as to why both are important to challenge the forces of oppression and build a better world."
--Stephen Zunes, professor of politics and international studies at the University of San Francisco and author of Nonviolent Social Movements
Book Description
Activists and social change agents, restorative justice practitioners, faith leaders, and anybody engaged in social progress and shifting society will find this mindful approach to nonviolent action indispensable.
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Product details
Publisher : PARALLAX (14 January 2020)
Language : English
Paperback : 296 pages
Customer reviews
4.8 out of 5 stars
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Pam McDonald
5.0 out of 5 stars This is the oneReviewed in the United States on 15 February 2020
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If you read one book this year about how to deal with conflict, this is the one. His language is crisp, his examples simple to understand, his reasoning is easy to follow. Best of all, he interprets Dr. King's Philosophy of Nonviolence through his own, hard-won experience with organizing in Oakland, CA, Occupy Wall Street and myriad other struggles. All that experience has taught him that Dr. King was right to focus on relationship building. Kazu asks the hard questions, toughs out the answers, learns from myriad mistakes and shares his hard-won lessons with us. He also references some great resources.
I gave this book 5 stars. Normally I would have awarded 4 stars, because there are some typos sprinkled throughout the book. However, I added back that star because the book is so very well-written, absolutely authentic to the Kingian Nonviolence curriculum, and urgently useful NOW. Kingian Nonviolence (not non-violence) is more useful and effective than any other strategy, for the long-term, and often for the short term as well. Let's build this world of Beloved Community. Thank you Kazu, Dr. Lafayette, and Dr. King, for giving us a head start.
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Reader
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Handbook!Reviewed in the United States on 27 April 2020
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This is a great book for anyone from beginner to seasoned activist. Kazu Haga breaks down Kingian Nonviolence and other justice and healing modalities in a way that makes them very accessible to a wide array of readers. I plan to give this to several elder activists - and my 14 year old niece.
Haga breaks down the Six Principles of Kingian Nonviolence, Restorative Justice/Practices (RP), separates & defines four types of conflict as well as other clarifying enumerations of large concepts. As an RP practitioner, I found his handling of restorative work to be excellent, and I found the Kingian principles revelatory and beautiful.
Kingian Nonviolence dispels the myth that nonviolence is passivity "Nonviolence is not about what not to do. It is about what you are going to do", and has clear steps toward justice and conflict work that have proven efficacy. Haga's handling of nuance and contradiction is unique and powerful, as well as his personal approach to understanding alternate perspectives (listening to right wing radio on regular basis - with an open mind -for instance). More than one thing can be true at the same time, we can expand to hold contradiction, and still seek accountability and healing.
The clarity of why shaming and punishment doesn't work for preventing future harm, or healing harm that has occurred is present not only in the concepts in the book, but his personal experience via years of offering trainings in prisons. There is still a lot of resistance to RP and nonviolent approaches to harm - especially in Law Enforcement and Corrections, and I think the accessibility and clarity in this book are useful to help naysayers possibly see the light of why these healing and justice practices ultimately protect us all.
Read less
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Bel
5.0 out of 5 stars The Inner Game of World ChangingReviewed in the United States on 7 April 2020
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This book bridges the gap between activism and spirituality, making the argument that the world will never change for the better in a lasting way without both working together. Yes, the systems of injustice must be dismantled, but it will be impossible to build new systems that work for all without the inner foundations spelled out in this book. Yes, we need to love one another, but we also need to deal with the material realities of injustice and oppression. Without the principles laid out in this book, we are left with a toxic culture of shaming and ineffectual anger on the side of the activists and a loving but disconnected-from-reality culture on the side of the spiritual while the violence-fueled industrial-growth complex goes on wreaking its destruction. If you despair of things ever changing for the better, read this book. It's THE way forward.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars AMAZING BOOK for Activists!Reviewed in the United States on 7 April 2020
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The order came fast, the book was brand NEW and only $11 bucks! I have loved reading this book and enriching my knowledge with more information. This is definitely a NEED READ for all future and current activists!
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Claire de Mezerville L de Mezerville
5.0 out of 5 stars Must readReviewed in the United States on 10 August 2020
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Excellent book. Kazu Haga is accessible, realistic, and profound. This is a mandatory reading for all of us looking for accountability and hope in our polarized times.
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Jul 07, 2020SaraCat rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Shelves: need-to-buy, internet-recommendations
When a person recommended this book to me, I was unsure about reading it, not because of the content the title indicated it would have but because I worried it would be a dense and boring book. However, I was happily surprised that it was written in an accessible manner to those who may be new(er) to the concepts laid out in this book about nonviolence. The format of 3 larger sections broken into chapters and subsections within each made it easy to follow along and I think will be helpful for referencing in the future should I want to reread about specific things.
In addition, Haga includes small snippets of humor throughout the book - mostly in footnotes - which added to making the book feel more approachable for non-specialists.
While I think this book is especially an important read for those wanting to be active in larger social change, I think there is also a lot for those looking for more local/personal social change as well. Even if you don't think you'd agree with the nonviolence approach, I think there is a lot to think and contemplate about in many of the points he presents and talks about. I also greatly appreciated the fact that he pointed tells readers to not judge those who make use of violence to try and bring about change. (less)
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Jan 14, 2021alaya rated it really liked it
this book felt repetitive at some points, but it made up for it in the notes/suggestions and the variety of ways to apply the skills in action. really appreciated this work, especially the author’s vulnerability and humor!
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Jun 09, 2021Bre rated it it was amazing
Absolutely one of the most useful books I have come across in my work in social movements.
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Apr 23, 2020T.R. rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Loved this book. Haga has a courageous and unique analysis of resistance work. I read this book a few months ago, but it was one of those books that pushed me to get back onto Goodreads. I want to spread the good news! If you're doing education, activism, meditation, student of the civil rights movement, this is an important book to deepen your analysis, strengthen your heart, and help us build our beloved community. Thanks Kazu! (less)
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Apr 03, 2021Nate Atkinson rated it it was amazing
This book was a joy to read, it brought peace and love to my heart. It made me realize all the ways I can bring peace into my daily life and bring peace to those around me.
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Oct 05, 2020Steve rated it really liked it
Shelves: my-library, non-fiction, community-issues
Healing Resistance came to my attention through book discussion group led by a activist in our community that is working to bring healing to families that have been disrupted through violence.
The weekly discussion centered on the last two sections of the book:
-Part 2: The Six Principles of Nonviolence
-Part 3: The Six Steps of Nonviolence.
I had not been exposed to Martin Luther King Jr.'s principles of nonviolence before and found the principles to be extremely useful in solidifying my thoughts in how to have an impact on the effects of violence.
King's concept of 'The Beloved Community' and what means to seek bringing even those we may perceive as 'enemies' into the community because of their value in God's eyes gave me words to the perspective that I have been gaining.
The steps to nonviolence that culminate in reconciliation make complete the goal of establishing 'The Beloved Community' as a sought after reality.
A great privilege we had was having the author, Kazu Haga, actually join our discussion for our summary week. Thanks Mr. Haga for giving us that gift.
I'd like to give this book two ratings: I'd give a 4 for the last 2 parts. Kazu does a great job of defining and illustrating the Kingian principals and steps.
Because I read and discussed those first, then returned to read the start of the book, I found the first part that describes the authors journey to discover and adopt Kingian nonviolence to be anticlimactic.
My suggesting is to start with part 1, but if you find it too slow paced, jump to the last two parts and be inspired to become part of the Healing Resistance in your community. (less)
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Jan 21, 2020Caraline rated it it was amazing
An important and timely read on the power of principled nonviolence. Kazu Haga effortlessly demonstrates the importance of repairing both our structural harms and our interpersonal harms in the quest for Beloved Community. Healing Resistance acts as a great introduction to the study of nonviolence and offers counterpoints to common critiques for the use of nonviolence. I would highly recommend to anyone just starting off their study of nonviolence as well as an seasoned nonviolentist looking to deepen their dedication to its practice. (less)
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Feb 04, 2020Nicole rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Strong work. Has depth and concepts to chew on after finishing- while also being a readable, accessible place to get a handle on Kingian Nonviolence and it’s connection to our inner lives and the collective healing ahead of humanity.
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Apr 22, 2020Alcina rated it it was amazing
Shelves: race-issues, law-justice, activism
This is a great book for anyone from beginner to seasoned activist. Kazu Haga breaks down Kingian Nonviolence and other justice and healing modalities in a way that makes them very accessible to a wide array of readers. I plan to give this to several elder activists - and my 14 year old niece.
Haga breaks down the Six Principles of Kingian Nonviolence, Restorative Justice/Practices (RP), separates & defines four types of conflict as well as other clarifying enumerations of large concepts. As an RP practitioner, I found his handling of restorative work to be excellent, and I found the Kingian principles revelatory and beautiful.
Kingian Nonviolence dispels the myth that nonviolence is passivity "Nonviolence is not about what not to do. It is about what you are going to do", and has clear steps toward justice and conflict work that have proven efficacy. Haga's handling of nuance and contradiction is unique and powerful, as well as his personal approach to understanding alternate perspectives (listening to right wing radio on regular basis - with an open mind -for instance). More than one thing can be true at the same time, we can expand to hold contradiction, and still seek accountability and healing.
The clarity of why shaming and punishment doesn't work for preventing future harm, or healing harm that has occurred is present not only in the concepts in the book, but his personal experience via years of offering trainings in prisons. There is still a lot of resistance to RP and nonviolent approaches to harm - especially in Law Enforcement and Corrections, and I think the accessibility and clarity in this book are useful to help naysayers possibly see the light of why these healing and justice practices ultimately protect us all. (less)
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Jan 16, 2021Mallory Everhart rated it really liked it
A really fascinating and important look at Kingian Nonviolence and the ways it challenges and informs activist work. It centers the ideal of Beloved Community and continually points back to a fundamental belief in human capacity to heal without devolving into permissive liberalism, which I find I am hungry for in these days. Haga's prose is engaging and I found his footnote commentary charming and informative.
I am definitely on board with the philosophy as presented and took away an appreciation for the amount of training and practice it takes to walk in the world this way. My biggest critique is that I wanted more "how". The "weight-lifting" exercises at the end were tangible action steps but they focus more on the individual and less on the collective, which seems to undermine one of the major premises of the book, namely that none of this happens in isolation.
Overall, though, I'm very glad I read this and it's sparking my interest in further nonviolent organizing and my commitment to RJ work in my community. (less)
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Jan 24, 2021Lori R. rated it it was amazing
"In left-wing politics, there seems to be a prevailing worldview that people who don't agree with every social justice principle are racist, sexist, classist, and basically just the worst type of human being. You're either with us or you're a racist, and there's no in between. People on the right seem to think others who don't agree with their worldview are over-sensitive communists or anti-patriotic elitist morons who just want to sit on the moral high horse and complain about everything. You're either with us, or you're an SJW snowflake, and there's no in between. Part of the work of nonviolence is to expand the in-between space, sit in the nuance,and sit in the contradiction."
- Kazu Haga, Healing Resistance
"The person on the other side might be 99% wrong. But what's the 1% of what they're saying that you can understand and agree with? Understanding that 1% will strengthen you're own perspective."
- Troy Williams, Restorative Justice Leader
Healing Resistance (less)
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May 13, 2021Shana rated it really liked it · review of another edition
This book is a wonderful starting point for those new to the concepts and practices of Kingian Nonviolence. Kazu Haga breaks down the primary ideas in a non-intimidating and readable way. He does this in part by weaving in stories from his own journey into this practice and injects some humor into it as well. What could have been a very bland book comes across, instead, as the loving project of someone who is very dedicated to the study and practice of nonviolence. His passion for it is clear in the repetitive parts of the book, but I didn't experience it as annoying. He asks the reader to take what we want from the book, and I can see myself doing exactly that. There were some areas I wasn't fully convinced on or that I would need to look into further, but the majority of the book had me nodding along and feeling inspired. The actionable steps at the end of the book were particularly appreciated and I could see it becoming the basis of a beginner's nonviolence group study or accountability group. (less)
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Feb 17, 2021Katie rated it it was amazing
This was a really thoughtful, interesting book about the basics and reality of non-violence, told through the memoirs of one practitioner. It was really interesting to have the authors perspective, as he is someone who inhabits two cultures that are very different (Japanese and American) and thus he has a unique kind of perspective on this work. He may nonviolence feel like some thing that you can practice in your every day life right now, and also some thing that is worth it to pursue and years of study. I think I’ll be returning to this book in the future. (less)
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Apr 22, 2021Deb rated it it was amazing
There is a lot to like here but the best happens when Haga is discussing the irony in the fact that Martin Luther King Jr (a Nobel Peace Prize winner) was arrested time and time again for disturbing the peace.
"We cannot disturb something that doesn't exist. When we use nonviolence to confront violence and injustice, we are not disturbing the peace, we are disturbing complacency. When we engage in the hard work of nonviolence and social change, we are not disturbing the peace. We are fighting for it." (less)
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Dec 28, 2020Will Giff rated it it was amazing
Shelves: to-read-feminism-chat-truth, all-time-favorites, transformative-community-justice, self-help-therapy
This book has profoundly effected me, and I suspect will change my life for years to come. For years, I've been involved in nonviolent social and environmental justice work — important. However, the vision of Beloved Community that Haga outlines, and Kingian Nonviolence as the road there, gave a relational-spiritual dimension to my vision and my work that I hadn't known I was dearly missing until I found it.
Definitely recommend it in a BIG way for anyone interested in social change. (less)
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Aug 28, 2021Emily rated it it was amazing
An incredible book. I gobbled it down. Kazu is a wonderful writer and someone you want to work with. I liked how we got to know him in the beginning of the book, then had the nonviolence training (which is a way of life, not just a movement strategy), then had the resources for increasing our capacity to do the work and rebuttals for people questioning nonviolence. The whole thing was super smart and I will return to it again and again. Thank you, Kazu.
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Sep 06, 2020Stacey Falls rated it it was amazing
I think anyone who thinks of themselves as an activist should read this. I think anyone who has sympathy for activists or hopes to raise active and aware children should read this. It is about activism, but also an ethic of social change. A lot of that change comes from within, and this book inspires me to be a better person so I can work to make a better world.
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Sep 22, 2020Jimmy McCarty rated it really liked it
An accessible introduction to nonviolent social change, especially the tradition of Kingian nonviolence which goes from Gandhi to Bayard Rustin to Jim Lawson to MLK to Bernard Lafayette to Haga himself. You can get all this in Kong’s writings, but the accessible framing and recent examples and case studies is a good place for folks to start.
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Nov 29, 2020nia rated it it was amazing
Shelves: favorites, nonfic
this is hands down the best book i've read all year. it fundamentally changed the way i think about conflict, both on a personal and political level. i would say it's a must read for anyone interested in politics or social justice. it's just brilliant, and i'm probably going to buy a copy for literally everyone in my life. (less)
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Mar 14, 2021David Hutchens rated it it was amazing
I’m the right audience for this book. I have long wanted a better understanding of Martin Luther King’s philosophy of nonviolence, and Kazu Haga provides that with depth and clarity. He brings a lot more, including his own compelling stories as an activist and a great, humble, and wise authorial voice. Really great book. I enjoyed every page.
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Jul 06, 2021Vi rated it it was amazing
I don’t really have the words at the moment to describe how much this book is needed in the world right now. This book is filled with so much insight and wisdom and was rejuvenating to me in my own healing work. Highly recommend for anyone interested in transformative justice, abolition, generational trauma and conflict transformation.
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Jan 25, 2021Bryan rated it it was amazing
Well worth reading if you are interested in seeing a watertight argument for nonviolent resistance. Nonviolence is always better than violence, and this book also helps make abundantly clear what a lifestyle of nonviolence looks like.
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Jun 17, 2021Eleanor Kallo rated it it was amazing
Shelves: to-buy
This and See No Stranger are the antidotes to today's call out culture/cancel culture/division/whatever you want to call it. They contain the answers of curiosity & empathy, and I hope to be able to embody them fully. (less)
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May 11, 2020Melissa Hoffman bodin rated it it was amazing
Life. Changing.
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Aug 08, 2020Austin rated it it was amazing
I feel like I'm going to be referencing this book for the rest of my life. ...more
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Feb 10, 2021Lynzo rated it it was amazing
Shelves: nonfiction, antiracism, read-2021
I am very much interested in learning more about nonviolence training.
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Jul 28, 2021Shayna Blackford rated it it was amazing
Breaks down the steps of Beloved Community, and empowers any reader to commit to a more equitable and compassion-forward way of life.
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Review
"Kazu Haga's deep, nuanced, and principled commitment to nonviolence has challenged and inspired me and many others who've had the privilege of encountering his work."
--Michelle Alexander, author of The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness
To resist today's violence exploding everywhere, in ways that can actually heal our world, seems a pipe dream--until Kazu Haga makes it real. In his wry, funny, and utterly grounded fashion, he helps me believe we can do it, and begin to become the Beloved Community. We need this book like oxygen. Kazu is my teacher.
-- Joanna Macy, author of World as Lover, World as Self
Kazu Haga reminds us of the power of nonviolence, building on the work of Gandhi and King and informed by his own life and insight in a way that touches us all today. Haga teaches us that true belonging ... is a challenging process that takes constant work and training from the internal to the interpersonal to the institutional. But that the work is worth the reward of building Beloved Community. We owe a debt of gratitude to Haga for his work and words and have in this book a manual for loving and for living nonviolence that will guide and inspire generations to come.
--john a. powell, director of the Othering and Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley and author of Racing to Justice: Transforming Our Concept of Self and Other to Build an Inclusive Society
"Kazu Haga has written an accessible, thorough, and deeply personal introduction to nonviolence as a power for personal and social transformation. He reflects upon common myths about nonviolent resistance, offers practical insight from his own experiences, and challenges readers to consider a radical, healing approach to confronting injustice. An inspiring read."
--Erica Chenoweth, Berthold Beitz Professor in Human Rights and International Affairs at Harvard Kennedy School and author of Civil Resistance: What Everyone Needs to Know
Kazu Haga is a masterful teacher connecting our internal and external experiences: of intending, of doing, and of being--living together with care and justice.
-- Larry Yang, core teacher at the East Bay Meditation Center, member of the Spirit Rock Teachers Council, and author of Awakening Together: The Spiritual Practice of Inclusivity and Community
In Healing Resistance, Kazu Haga takes on the why of violence, breaks it down, and then builds us up for the work we need to do now."
--Mushim Patricia Ikeda, Buddhist teacher, racial justice community activist, and author of viral article "I Vow Not to Burn Out
"At a time when the literature is often divided between advocates of nonviolence out of principle and advocates of nonviolent action for strategic and utilitarian reasons, Kazu Haga puts forth a compelling argument as to why both are important to challenge the forces of oppression and build a better world."
--Stephen Zunes, professor of politics and international studies at the University of San Francisco and author of Nonviolent Social Movements
Book Description
Activists and social change agents, restorative justice practitioners, faith leaders, and anybody engaged in social progress and shifting society will find this mindful approach to nonviolent action indispensable.
Read more
Start reading Healing Resistance: A Radically Different Response to Harm on your Kindle in under a minute.
Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here, or download a FREE Kindle Reading App.
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Discover deals on fiction, non-fiction, children's books and more Shop now
Product details
Publisher : PARALLAX (14 January 2020)
Language : English
Paperback : 296 pages
Customer reviews
4.8 out of 5 stars
Top reviews from Australia
There are 0 reviews and 0 ratings from Australia
Top reviews from other countries
Pam McDonald
5.0 out of 5 stars This is the oneReviewed in the United States on 15 February 2020
Verified Purchase
If you read one book this year about how to deal with conflict, this is the one. His language is crisp, his examples simple to understand, his reasoning is easy to follow. Best of all, he interprets Dr. King's Philosophy of Nonviolence through his own, hard-won experience with organizing in Oakland, CA, Occupy Wall Street and myriad other struggles. All that experience has taught him that Dr. King was right to focus on relationship building. Kazu asks the hard questions, toughs out the answers, learns from myriad mistakes and shares his hard-won lessons with us. He also references some great resources.
I gave this book 5 stars. Normally I would have awarded 4 stars, because there are some typos sprinkled throughout the book. However, I added back that star because the book is so very well-written, absolutely authentic to the Kingian Nonviolence curriculum, and urgently useful NOW. Kingian Nonviolence (not non-violence) is more useful and effective than any other strategy, for the long-term, and often for the short term as well. Let's build this world of Beloved Community. Thank you Kazu, Dr. Lafayette, and Dr. King, for giving us a head start.
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Reader
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Handbook!Reviewed in the United States on 27 April 2020
Verified Purchase
This is a great book for anyone from beginner to seasoned activist. Kazu Haga breaks down Kingian Nonviolence and other justice and healing modalities in a way that makes them very accessible to a wide array of readers. I plan to give this to several elder activists - and my 14 year old niece.
Haga breaks down the Six Principles of Kingian Nonviolence, Restorative Justice/Practices (RP), separates & defines four types of conflict as well as other clarifying enumerations of large concepts. As an RP practitioner, I found his handling of restorative work to be excellent, and I found the Kingian principles revelatory and beautiful.
Kingian Nonviolence dispels the myth that nonviolence is passivity "Nonviolence is not about what not to do. It is about what you are going to do", and has clear steps toward justice and conflict work that have proven efficacy. Haga's handling of nuance and contradiction is unique and powerful, as well as his personal approach to understanding alternate perspectives (listening to right wing radio on regular basis - with an open mind -for instance). More than one thing can be true at the same time, we can expand to hold contradiction, and still seek accountability and healing.
The clarity of why shaming and punishment doesn't work for preventing future harm, or healing harm that has occurred is present not only in the concepts in the book, but his personal experience via years of offering trainings in prisons. There is still a lot of resistance to RP and nonviolent approaches to harm - especially in Law Enforcement and Corrections, and I think the accessibility and clarity in this book are useful to help naysayers possibly see the light of why these healing and justice practices ultimately protect us all.
Read less
8 people found this helpfulReport abuse
Bel
5.0 out of 5 stars The Inner Game of World ChangingReviewed in the United States on 7 April 2020
Verified Purchase
This book bridges the gap between activism and spirituality, making the argument that the world will never change for the better in a lasting way without both working together. Yes, the systems of injustice must be dismantled, but it will be impossible to build new systems that work for all without the inner foundations spelled out in this book. Yes, we need to love one another, but we also need to deal with the material realities of injustice and oppression. Without the principles laid out in this book, we are left with a toxic culture of shaming and ineffectual anger on the side of the activists and a loving but disconnected-from-reality culture on the side of the spiritual while the violence-fueled industrial-growth complex goes on wreaking its destruction. If you despair of things ever changing for the better, read this book. It's THE way forward.
6 people found this helpfulReport abuse
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars AMAZING BOOK for Activists!Reviewed in the United States on 7 April 2020
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The order came fast, the book was brand NEW and only $11 bucks! I have loved reading this book and enriching my knowledge with more information. This is definitely a NEED READ for all future and current activists!
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Claire de Mezerville L de Mezerville
5.0 out of 5 stars Must readReviewed in the United States on 10 August 2020
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Excellent book. Kazu Haga is accessible, realistic, and profound. This is a mandatory reading for all of us looking for accountability and hope in our polarized times.
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Jul 07, 2020SaraCat rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Shelves: need-to-buy, internet-recommendations
When a person recommended this book to me, I was unsure about reading it, not because of the content the title indicated it would have but because I worried it would be a dense and boring book. However, I was happily surprised that it was written in an accessible manner to those who may be new(er) to the concepts laid out in this book about nonviolence. The format of 3 larger sections broken into chapters and subsections within each made it easy to follow along and I think will be helpful for referencing in the future should I want to reread about specific things.
In addition, Haga includes small snippets of humor throughout the book - mostly in footnotes - which added to making the book feel more approachable for non-specialists.
While I think this book is especially an important read for those wanting to be active in larger social change, I think there is also a lot for those looking for more local/personal social change as well. Even if you don't think you'd agree with the nonviolence approach, I think there is a lot to think and contemplate about in many of the points he presents and talks about. I also greatly appreciated the fact that he pointed tells readers to not judge those who make use of violence to try and bring about change. (less)
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Jan 14, 2021alaya rated it really liked it
this book felt repetitive at some points, but it made up for it in the notes/suggestions and the variety of ways to apply the skills in action. really appreciated this work, especially the author’s vulnerability and humor!
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Jun 09, 2021Bre rated it it was amazing
Absolutely one of the most useful books I have come across in my work in social movements.
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Apr 23, 2020T.R. rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Loved this book. Haga has a courageous and unique analysis of resistance work. I read this book a few months ago, but it was one of those books that pushed me to get back onto Goodreads. I want to spread the good news! If you're doing education, activism, meditation, student of the civil rights movement, this is an important book to deepen your analysis, strengthen your heart, and help us build our beloved community. Thanks Kazu! (less)
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Apr 03, 2021Nate Atkinson rated it it was amazing
This book was a joy to read, it brought peace and love to my heart. It made me realize all the ways I can bring peace into my daily life and bring peace to those around me.
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Oct 05, 2020Steve rated it really liked it
Shelves: my-library, non-fiction, community-issues
Healing Resistance came to my attention through book discussion group led by a activist in our community that is working to bring healing to families that have been disrupted through violence.
The weekly discussion centered on the last two sections of the book:
-Part 2: The Six Principles of Nonviolence
-Part 3: The Six Steps of Nonviolence.
I had not been exposed to Martin Luther King Jr.'s principles of nonviolence before and found the principles to be extremely useful in solidifying my thoughts in how to have an impact on the effects of violence.
King's concept of 'The Beloved Community' and what means to seek bringing even those we may perceive as 'enemies' into the community because of their value in God's eyes gave me words to the perspective that I have been gaining.
The steps to nonviolence that culminate in reconciliation make complete the goal of establishing 'The Beloved Community' as a sought after reality.
A great privilege we had was having the author, Kazu Haga, actually join our discussion for our summary week. Thanks Mr. Haga for giving us that gift.
I'd like to give this book two ratings: I'd give a 4 for the last 2 parts. Kazu does a great job of defining and illustrating the Kingian principals and steps.
Because I read and discussed those first, then returned to read the start of the book, I found the first part that describes the authors journey to discover and adopt Kingian nonviolence to be anticlimactic.
My suggesting is to start with part 1, but if you find it too slow paced, jump to the last two parts and be inspired to become part of the Healing Resistance in your community. (less)
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Jan 21, 2020Caraline rated it it was amazing
An important and timely read on the power of principled nonviolence. Kazu Haga effortlessly demonstrates the importance of repairing both our structural harms and our interpersonal harms in the quest for Beloved Community. Healing Resistance acts as a great introduction to the study of nonviolence and offers counterpoints to common critiques for the use of nonviolence. I would highly recommend to anyone just starting off their study of nonviolence as well as an seasoned nonviolentist looking to deepen their dedication to its practice. (less)
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Feb 04, 2020Nicole rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Strong work. Has depth and concepts to chew on after finishing- while also being a readable, accessible place to get a handle on Kingian Nonviolence and it’s connection to our inner lives and the collective healing ahead of humanity.
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Apr 22, 2020Alcina rated it it was amazing
Shelves: race-issues, law-justice, activism
This is a great book for anyone from beginner to seasoned activist. Kazu Haga breaks down Kingian Nonviolence and other justice and healing modalities in a way that makes them very accessible to a wide array of readers. I plan to give this to several elder activists - and my 14 year old niece.
Haga breaks down the Six Principles of Kingian Nonviolence, Restorative Justice/Practices (RP), separates & defines four types of conflict as well as other clarifying enumerations of large concepts. As an RP practitioner, I found his handling of restorative work to be excellent, and I found the Kingian principles revelatory and beautiful.
Kingian Nonviolence dispels the myth that nonviolence is passivity "Nonviolence is not about what not to do. It is about what you are going to do", and has clear steps toward justice and conflict work that have proven efficacy. Haga's handling of nuance and contradiction is unique and powerful, as well as his personal approach to understanding alternate perspectives (listening to right wing radio on regular basis - with an open mind -for instance). More than one thing can be true at the same time, we can expand to hold contradiction, and still seek accountability and healing.
The clarity of why shaming and punishment doesn't work for preventing future harm, or healing harm that has occurred is present not only in the concepts in the book, but his personal experience via years of offering trainings in prisons. There is still a lot of resistance to RP and nonviolent approaches to harm - especially in Law Enforcement and Corrections, and I think the accessibility and clarity in this book are useful to help naysayers possibly see the light of why these healing and justice practices ultimately protect us all. (less)
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Jan 16, 2021Mallory Everhart rated it really liked it
A really fascinating and important look at Kingian Nonviolence and the ways it challenges and informs activist work. It centers the ideal of Beloved Community and continually points back to a fundamental belief in human capacity to heal without devolving into permissive liberalism, which I find I am hungry for in these days. Haga's prose is engaging and I found his footnote commentary charming and informative.
I am definitely on board with the philosophy as presented and took away an appreciation for the amount of training and practice it takes to walk in the world this way. My biggest critique is that I wanted more "how". The "weight-lifting" exercises at the end were tangible action steps but they focus more on the individual and less on the collective, which seems to undermine one of the major premises of the book, namely that none of this happens in isolation.
Overall, though, I'm very glad I read this and it's sparking my interest in further nonviolent organizing and my commitment to RJ work in my community. (less)
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Jan 24, 2021Lori R. rated it it was amazing
"In left-wing politics, there seems to be a prevailing worldview that people who don't agree with every social justice principle are racist, sexist, classist, and basically just the worst type of human being. You're either with us or you're a racist, and there's no in between. People on the right seem to think others who don't agree with their worldview are over-sensitive communists or anti-patriotic elitist morons who just want to sit on the moral high horse and complain about everything. You're either with us, or you're an SJW snowflake, and there's no in between. Part of the work of nonviolence is to expand the in-between space, sit in the nuance,and sit in the contradiction."
- Kazu Haga, Healing Resistance
"The person on the other side might be 99% wrong. But what's the 1% of what they're saying that you can understand and agree with? Understanding that 1% will strengthen you're own perspective."
- Troy Williams, Restorative Justice Leader
Healing Resistance (less)
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May 13, 2021Shana rated it really liked it · review of another edition
This book is a wonderful starting point for those new to the concepts and practices of Kingian Nonviolence. Kazu Haga breaks down the primary ideas in a non-intimidating and readable way. He does this in part by weaving in stories from his own journey into this practice and injects some humor into it as well. What could have been a very bland book comes across, instead, as the loving project of someone who is very dedicated to the study and practice of nonviolence. His passion for it is clear in the repetitive parts of the book, but I didn't experience it as annoying. He asks the reader to take what we want from the book, and I can see myself doing exactly that. There were some areas I wasn't fully convinced on or that I would need to look into further, but the majority of the book had me nodding along and feeling inspired. The actionable steps at the end of the book were particularly appreciated and I could see it becoming the basis of a beginner's nonviolence group study or accountability group. (less)
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Feb 17, 2021Katie rated it it was amazing
This was a really thoughtful, interesting book about the basics and reality of non-violence, told through the memoirs of one practitioner. It was really interesting to have the authors perspective, as he is someone who inhabits two cultures that are very different (Japanese and American) and thus he has a unique kind of perspective on this work. He may nonviolence feel like some thing that you can practice in your every day life right now, and also some thing that is worth it to pursue and years of study. I think I’ll be returning to this book in the future. (less)
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Apr 22, 2021Deb rated it it was amazing
There is a lot to like here but the best happens when Haga is discussing the irony in the fact that Martin Luther King Jr (a Nobel Peace Prize winner) was arrested time and time again for disturbing the peace.
"We cannot disturb something that doesn't exist. When we use nonviolence to confront violence and injustice, we are not disturbing the peace, we are disturbing complacency. When we engage in the hard work of nonviolence and social change, we are not disturbing the peace. We are fighting for it." (less)
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Dec 28, 2020Will Giff rated it it was amazing
Shelves: to-read-feminism-chat-truth, all-time-favorites, transformative-community-justice, self-help-therapy
This book has profoundly effected me, and I suspect will change my life for years to come. For years, I've been involved in nonviolent social and environmental justice work — important. However, the vision of Beloved Community that Haga outlines, and Kingian Nonviolence as the road there, gave a relational-spiritual dimension to my vision and my work that I hadn't known I was dearly missing until I found it.
Definitely recommend it in a BIG way for anyone interested in social change. (less)
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Aug 28, 2021Emily rated it it was amazing
An incredible book. I gobbled it down. Kazu is a wonderful writer and someone you want to work with. I liked how we got to know him in the beginning of the book, then had the nonviolence training (which is a way of life, not just a movement strategy), then had the resources for increasing our capacity to do the work and rebuttals for people questioning nonviolence. The whole thing was super smart and I will return to it again and again. Thank you, Kazu.
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Sep 06, 2020Stacey Falls rated it it was amazing
I think anyone who thinks of themselves as an activist should read this. I think anyone who has sympathy for activists or hopes to raise active and aware children should read this. It is about activism, but also an ethic of social change. A lot of that change comes from within, and this book inspires me to be a better person so I can work to make a better world.
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Sep 22, 2020Jimmy McCarty rated it really liked it
An accessible introduction to nonviolent social change, especially the tradition of Kingian nonviolence which goes from Gandhi to Bayard Rustin to Jim Lawson to MLK to Bernard Lafayette to Haga himself. You can get all this in Kong’s writings, but the accessible framing and recent examples and case studies is a good place for folks to start.
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Nov 29, 2020nia rated it it was amazing
Shelves: favorites, nonfic
this is hands down the best book i've read all year. it fundamentally changed the way i think about conflict, both on a personal and political level. i would say it's a must read for anyone interested in politics or social justice. it's just brilliant, and i'm probably going to buy a copy for literally everyone in my life. (less)
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Mar 14, 2021David Hutchens rated it it was amazing
I’m the right audience for this book. I have long wanted a better understanding of Martin Luther King’s philosophy of nonviolence, and Kazu Haga provides that with depth and clarity. He brings a lot more, including his own compelling stories as an activist and a great, humble, and wise authorial voice. Really great book. I enjoyed every page.
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Jul 06, 2021Vi rated it it was amazing
I don’t really have the words at the moment to describe how much this book is needed in the world right now. This book is filled with so much insight and wisdom and was rejuvenating to me in my own healing work. Highly recommend for anyone interested in transformative justice, abolition, generational trauma and conflict transformation.
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Jan 25, 2021Bryan rated it it was amazing
Well worth reading if you are interested in seeing a watertight argument for nonviolent resistance. Nonviolence is always better than violence, and this book also helps make abundantly clear what a lifestyle of nonviolence looks like.
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Jun 17, 2021Eleanor Kallo rated it it was amazing
Shelves: to-buy
This and See No Stranger are the antidotes to today's call out culture/cancel culture/division/whatever you want to call it. They contain the answers of curiosity & empathy, and I hope to be able to embody them fully. (less)
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May 11, 2020Melissa Hoffman bodin rated it it was amazing
Life. Changing.
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Aug 08, 2020Austin rated it it was amazing
I feel like I'm going to be referencing this book for the rest of my life. ...more
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Feb 10, 2021Lynzo rated it it was amazing
Shelves: nonfiction, antiracism, read-2021
I am very much interested in learning more about nonviolence training.
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Jul 28, 2021Shayna Blackford rated it it was amazing
Breaks down the steps of Beloved Community, and empowers any reader to commit to a more equitable and compassion-forward way of life.
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