The Ripple Effect

The Voice of TEAM  Number 24  Spring 2004

(The Spring issue of The Ripple Effect is only available online.)

"Reflections on 'The Planting of a Peace Pole' Newsletter Article" 

by Susan Sroka

This newsletter was very interesting. Reading the title of this newsletter gave me the impression that it was going to be informative and boring. I was very wrong. Instantly I was drawn in by the  "meaning" of peace. This made me reflect and really think of what my meaning of peace is. Do I have a meaning or definition of peace? I came to the conclusion that I had a definition of peace and not quite a personal meaning. The definition that is found in The Webster's Dictionary states: "1. a state of tranquility or quiet. 2. a state of security or order within. 3. freedom from disquieting or oppresive thoughts or emotions. 4. a pact or agreement to end hostility between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity." These definitions, I guess, are the meanings of peace. Once I read those definitions, I really did not feel that my definition was expressed. Did this mean I did not have a meaning of peace?

Reading further through the newsletter, my understanding of peace became known. Every woman, man, and child have different personal meanings of peace. My meaning of peace deals with my soul, feelings, thoughts, and actions. My meaning of peace cannot be written down or explained. Peace to me is a feeling in my soul and body and it is very comforting. I also realize that people's meaning of peace will differ and that is great. These meanings should differ, that is what makes America great. The Pole exemplifies those meanings of peace; every meaning of peace is unique.

I understood that the languages, symbols, and decoration on the Pole were very important. However, in the beginning of the article I, too, believed it should look a specific way. Obviously the Pole should represent culture and our society, unity and love, along with our dreams and hope of the future. Does this mean that the Pole needs to include every type of culture, nationality, and race? Yes, it definitely does and I agree everyone should have some type of representation on the Pole. During the reading, I was visualizing what this Pole would look like and I was satisfied. However, after I read what the group decision was, the Peace Pole never made more sense to me than it did just that minute. Forget about cultures, representing all races and nationalities; we are one nation under God and are only one race -- human race.

I was very excitied to read the final explanation of the Peace Pole. Humankind is represented on that Pole and it is done perfectly. Why make and design the Pole to a point of no imagination? Isn't it better to allow people to dream, imagine, and hope for good in our future as they are standing facing it? Of course. Maybe the meanings of peace are written in the dictionary the way they are because peace does not always mean the same to each individual. The Peace Pole at Northeastern Illinois University exemplifies that perfectly.
 

-----------------------------

Susan Sroka is a student completing state certification requirements
for undergradate teaching in Physical Education.