How many of you grew up in the era when watching Saturday morning cartoons was the highlight of your week?
It seemed innocent enough to be thrilled that Bugs Bunny outwitted Elmer Fudd at every turn and that the Road Runner never lost to Wile E. Coyote.
But the lessons we may have learned from these animated creations should not be taken lightly.
I recently bought a series of greeting cards designed by Patricia Wagner and The Spiders’ Workshop. One of the cards has a tree with two birds and a cat sitting in the leaves.
The slender sapling itself has a banner winding around it with a several foreign words.
Using Google translate to understand the meaning of the phrase, I found that “Més val giny que forca” is a Catalan proverb that can be translated loosely to mean “more wit (ingenuity/cleverness) than strength or force.”
In other words, it is more effective to use your brain over your brawn.
Think of the different ways Bugs outdid Elmer. He used disguise and re-direction. Perhaps more famously, Popeye ate spinach to give him the energy to repair a bridge damaged by the stronger character, Bluto. Finally, in the Tom and Jerry cartoons, Jerry used various implements in the environment to eclipse the stronger Tom.
Applying the Catalon saying to current events in the world, we see that the threat of force (indeed, the ultimatum of destroying an entire civilization) has not only lost support from our allies, but also emboldened our enemies.
It is frightening and jarring to hear the leader of the free world make statements about bombing a country back to the Stone Age, to take a country out in one night, or that plans are in place to destroy bridges and power plants.
The threats make us seem desperate and, again, our allies do not agree with the ultimatums. Nor are they inspired by flip-flopping deadlines for ceasefires and varying conditions.
A definition of diplomacy from Merriam-Webster reads, “Diplomacy is the peaceful art of managing international relations through negotiation and dialogue, typically conducted by authorized envoys.
It acts as a primary tool of foreign policy, aimed at resolving conflicts without violence. It also refers to using tact, skill, and sensitivity in personal or professional dealings.”
The definition does not include a timeframe for negotiations. Nor does it mean that a single person achieves a desired outcome. Diplomacy is often slow and nuanced and includes setbacks as well as advances and progress.
It requires thoughtfulness and appreciation for schedules. It does not mandate constant criticisms and encroaching deadlines.
Good diplomats spend years studying the people, the history, the geography, the desires, the prejudices, the needs of the country with which they are involved.
It appears that Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, is not immune from disapproval by the White House either. Our president recently stated that the pope is “weak on crime.” What?
Even the vice president made the comment that Leo should be careful about matters of theology. Again: What?! Aren’t theological questions and views central to the pope’s mission?
Thankfully, Pope Leo responded that, “it is not in my interest at all to debate the president,” and said he will continue to speak out and pray for peace.
As noted by the chairman of the U.S. Conference of Bishops, “When Pope Leo XIV speaks as supreme pastor of the universal Church, he is not merely offering opinions on theology, he is preaching the Gospel and exercising his ministry as the Vicar of Christ.”
Good rulers recognize that they do not know everything, and they use more informed minds to advise and conduct diplomacy.
In the case of ingenuity versus force, ingenuity is not for the lazy person. Force can be acquired by the most slothful, indolent individual.
How about it: ”Més val giny que forca?”
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Give peace a thought | OPINION
Reporting by By Andrea Elise, Special to the Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
