2007 HONORABLE MENTION

PEACE - BUT FIRST A DEFINITION
Laura Heller
16 years old, Maryland

What about peace? That is the question that defines today's wars, today's protests, and today's society. But more importantly, what is peace? Is it the dictionary definition of "the normal, nonwarring condition of a nation?" Impossible--today it is just as normal for a country to be at war as it is for a country to be at peace. It can no longer be "a state of mutual harmony between peoples" because it is a near impossibility that the world's warring nations will suddenly decide to come to any form of mutual agreement. In a world where violent tension between countries, races, and communities is as common as slavery once was, peace needs a new definition.

Perhaps peace is no longer the polar opposite of war, but instead a middle ground. Not war, but not mutual harmony either. A new way of living where people coexist together. They would interact on a business sense, but eliminate the messy social exchanges that lead too much of the tension that exists today. A civil handshake instead of awkward small talk, courteous letters instead of angry phone calls. It is not the romantic ideal that lost souls search for; instead, it is a realistic, tangible goal.

But what about peace? Even with a new definition, it is quite clear that peace is a long way off. Peace cannot be reached through war. Sending soldiers into unknown lands to promote unwanted ideals will only lead to devastation. Withdraw the soldiers, recognize the differences that exist across the oceans and peace grows nearer. Learn not to love or hate your neighbor but to respect the choices he makes and peace reveals its beauty. Believe in your stereotypes, your prejudices, but do so silently and peace becomes so tangible that it fills our lungs.

Peace is not absolute or continuous. It is the delicate balance between silence and action. Take too bold an action and the resulting violence could shatter the delicate peace forever. But stay silent for too long and someone who doesn't want peace, who doesn't believe in peace, will destroy it. Technology has quickly surpassed the control humans have over their emotions. The power that comes with the cold metal of a gun is tantalizing and the quiet voice of peace is no match for it.

World peace today could be better defined as world "lack of war". To settle the millions of discrepancies that prevent peace would take a superhero with powers beyond Superman. To expect such a peace is foolish, but to hope for it inspires the world to reach a new form of peace. Neither war nor harmony, this peace can best be defined as quiet coexistence and a chance for absolute peace take hold.