ANT105: Analyzing Non-Violent Resistance and Trobriand Cricket

This discussion post for ANT105 explores the effectiveness of non-violent resistance in challenging social and political injustice. The author argues for its effectiveness, while acknowledging its slower pace compared to violent resistance, emphasizing the importance of considering alternatives to violence. The post then delves into a case study of Trobriand cricket, analyzing its cultural transformation and role as a mechanism for conflict resolution within and between communities. It highlights how the Trobriand people adapted the game to fit their cultural needs, promoting social ties and peaceful coexistence. The assignment covers the importance of considering factors that determine the effectiveness of resistance and provides examples of how non-violent resistance and cultural practices can offer alternatives to warfare and promote social cohesion.

Running head: ANT105 CHP.11 DISCUSSION
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Ant105 Chp.11 Discussion
Name
Institution

ANT105 CHP.11 DISCUSSION 2
Do you think non-violent resistance is effective as a tactic challenging social or political
injustice?
Yes. To some extent is very effective though it may take long for people to achieve their
goals. Sometimes it’s better to use non-violent alternatives rather than turning to violence that
can cause huge loss of life and properties. In violence there are causalities and those who lose
their lives. There are alternatives such as peaceful demonstration while airing the aggrieve d’s
views to a certain government body concerned with the particular issue. Non-violent
resistance yields results slowly compared to violent resistance but in the end after a long
struggle it yields positive outcome. It all narrows down to the question of what is the essence
of having put a problem behind your back when many will lose their lives because of
violence. There has been political and social injustice in many countries leading to outrage
among the citizens on various issues concerning their rights. The rises of these injustices
occasioned by some governments have led to the need for resistance. Resistance could be
non-violent or violent.
The following factors should be taken into consideration when deciding on what makes a
resistance is effective or not;
1. There is quick response from the concerned party
2. The issue that agitates people is taken into consideration and solved immediately
3. Long term solutions are provided in relation to the social injustice
From these factors it is evident that non-violent resistance is not effective enough
compared to violent resistance in which the above factors can be achieved. Non-violent

ANT105 CHP.11 DISCUSSION 3
resistance may take time to yield positive results and may never be considered because there
is no pressure rendering it less effective.
Can you imagine a situation in which such protest is not only effective but would also be
legitimate? If so, on what grounds?
In as much as non-violent resistance is less effective, there are situations where it could
turn out to be effective if properly carried out by the protesters. In situations where there is a
community especially the African set up, such resistance can be effective as an alternative to
war. The peaceful resistance can be taken into consideration by the elders and the matter on
social injustice addressed. This could also extend to legitimizing such protest so that they can
be more effective and taken into consideration. Currently in many developed countries, non-
violent protesters are protected by the laws of that particular state and there departments
established to seriously take any complaints on political and social justice emanating from the
citizens. Generally non-violent resistance has been witnessed in many countries and there has
been measures put in place to curb problems arising out of such protest from the people.
Part II:
After watching the film "Trobriand Cricket", consider how Trobriand cricket is used as an
alternative to warfare.
The Trobriand have made a remarkable cultural transformation of the cricket game.
During this game there are unique dances and chants. When there is a conflict between the

ANT105 CHP.11 DISCUSSION 4
communities, matches are organised to settle their differences, they play neighbouring
communities where a group of many boys traditionally dressed gets into action in the cricket
game. The aim is mainly on those who win the contest. The Trobriand people value their
cultural practices and stick to their taboos and norms. These issues are addressed during the
cricket game and the concerned parties use this as an alternative to warfare. They see warfare
as a negative factor that only creates enmity between them as a result they use the cricket
game as a mechanism to solve their differences. Interestingly this works and war is avoided.
How did the Trobriand people change the game to match the needs of their own culture?
The Trobriand people had a remarkable cultural transformation of the cricket game from
the parent game played in Britain. The game was transformed to include traditional dressing,
singing traditional songs during the game and constantly chanting. They use different objects
to play the game unlike in the parent game where cricket ball is used. During such games the
participants also undergoes some rituals as part of their cultures the parent game has 11
players, while the people of Trobriand plays the game with a number larger compared to
eleven. The game has rules that fit their culture differing from the rules used in the parent
game. The game serves its purpose for matches and their cultural needs as a community
How does Trobriand Cricket promote social ties with neighbouring communities?

ANT105 CHP.11 DISCUSSION 5
The social ties with other communities is promoted through organising matches between
communities where they get to interact with each other leading to intermarriages and stronger
bond among the people in the communities. The cricket game brings the Trobriand people
together. They are able to socialize during such events hence strengthening their social ties
with one another. The game has also promoted peaceful co-existence with the neighbouring
communities hence creating peace among them.