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About Us
Shintoism/Animism is a polythestic Japanese religion that has many kami (gods). The period 10 Global class proudly presents this religion at it's finest with our teacher Mr. M.
お楽しみ下さい! |
Who We Are |
We are a freshman honor class that is dedicated to make satisfactory results.
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Special Thanks to our classmates and teacher for their support.
-The Video Team
-The Video Team
Group 2: Artwork Team
Group 3: Origins of Shintoism
Sanehi Bharaj (leader), Danny Choi, Joy Huang, Christine Lu, Ariana Maksumov, Dinely Martinez, Ximena Mendoza
The Origination of Shintoism
Although Shintoism is a religion, there is no known founder. Shintoism was founded around 550 B.C.E in Japan. Before Shintoism became an official religion, its beliefs had already existed beforehand. During the time of about 200 B.C. in Japan, there wasn’t an organized system of religion. However, Japan still had rituals and ceremonies, which were considered traditions. Japan had these traditions, because even though they had no official religion at the time, they still had beliefs, in which they believed in sacred and divine beings called “Kami.” They also believed that kami existed not only as spiritual beings, but also in the environment such as in mountains and rivers. Furthermore, these rituals, ceremonies, and beliefs were the main components that Shintoism was composed of. Shintoism was already established with these beliefs and tradition, but it had not been officially declared a religion yet. Eventually, it became known as “Shinto” in the 8th century.
Shinto, written 神道 (“way of the gods”), is a unique Japanese religion and has shaped much of the Japanese worldview. Even the name of the country Japan, written 日本, comes from an ancient Shinto text that tells of Japan being divinely created by the Sun-goddess Amateresu. There are three types of Shinto existing today. “Shrine Shinto” (Jinja Shinto) is the principal form in existence, from the beginning of Japanese history, through which others act. “Folk Shinto” (Minzoku Shinto) is a sub-string of this, centered on the veneration of small roadside images, with a particular focus on agricultural rites. “Sect Shinto” (Kyoha Shinto) was developed during and the 19th century, with about 13 forms currently in existence, each one having a founder who sought to systemise Shinto belief. In the late 6th century AD the name Shinto was created for the native religion to distinguish it from Buddhism and Confucianism, which had been introduced from China. Shinto was rapidly overshadowed by Buddhism, and the native gods were generally regarded as manifestations of Buddha in a previous state of existence. Buddhist priests became the custodians of Shinto shrines and introduced their own ornaments, images, and ritual. At the end of the 8th and the beginning of the 9th centuries, the celebrated Japanese teacher Kukai, or (posthumously) Kobo Daishi, established a doctrine uniting Buddhism and Shinto under the name of Ryobu Shinto (the Shinto of two kinds). In the new religion, Buddhism dominated Shinto, and elements were adopted from Confucianism. The ancient practice of Shinto proper virtually disappeared and was maintained only at a few great shrines and in the imperial palace, although the emperors themselves had become Buddhists. The distinctively Shinto priests became fortune-tellers and magicians.
The Symbol of Shintoism
The symbol of the Shinto religion is the Torii gate. The Torii gate is a religious symbol which marks the entryway to sacred space. The Torii gate represents the divide between our world “The Finite world” and the spirit world “ The Infinite world”. Torii gates can be found all over Japan. They indicate the entrances to Shinto shrines. Shrines are located at sites where our world is presumed to overlap with the spirit world. Furthermore, Torii gates are used as the emblem of this faith since, Shinto shrines are seen as areas where it would be more probable that spirits (Kami) would be able to receive your prayers.
Supreme Being of Shintoism
Shintoism is unique in being that it is one of the few religions that are able to boast a supreme being who is female in gender.
The supreme being of the Shinto faith is the Sun Goddess, the Great Kami Amaterasu. She is considered the supreme being of this religion since, when the people of Japan were known to have warred against each other, the Goddess is said to have sent her grandson, Ninigi, to become the first Emperor of Japan and rule over their people peacefully.
Religious Leaders of Shintoism
The religion of Shintoism recognizes priests as its religious leaders. Shintoism has no equivalent of a leader, instead Shinto shrines are independently lead by Shinto priests ( Shinshoku ). Shinto priests mainly officiate shrine ceremonies at the requests of worshipers. Shinto priests are not expected to act as spiritual leaders ( preach, lecture, encourage ) to worshipers, the main role of a priest is to guarantee the continuation of a peaceful interaction between the Kami and the worshiper through offerings and meditation.
The Spread of Shintoism
The religion of Shintoism had initially originated from the region of Japan tracing back to 500 B.C. . Today, Shintoism continues to be practiced almost exclusively in Japan. However, over time it began to spread to the region of China. Many Asian societies today practice this faith, howevers its followers are mainly of Japanese descent. Shintoism today includes the methods of ancient Japan with a new twist due to today’s modern society.
Global Impact of Shintoism
Shintoism seems like a religion that doesn’t have much global influence. However, surprisingly it does affect many parts of the world, but it mainly focuses on East Asia. It's main focus is on Japan. When people think about Japanese culture, they are really thinking about Shinto traditions, which are the basis of Shintoism. Most Shinto customs have been so closely integrated within the Japanese culture, that most people consider it a Japanese, instead of Shinto custom. For example, Sumo wrestling is a Shintoism tradition that they practiced. The sport itself is a ceremonial sport which they believe is an offering of strength and entertainment for the Shinto Gods. The game has shinto rituals that are performed before and after the game, such as throwing salt before a match. Although the sport is not so popular in the Western half of the world, people recognize it, because of it’s distinct Japanese rituals and events.
Another major influence that Shintoism has had on the world is its contribution to anime. Anime originated in Japan and is a style of animation that has recently become very mainstream across the globe. Much of the story lines used in anime are based off of the Shinto-style of thinking, which is why many people watch anime, due to it’s appealing aspects.
Group 4: Belief system
Marisol, Rebecca, and Tasmiah
Major Beliefs
There are many beliefs that go into a religion. However, Shintoism is not a religion with strict guidelines or a unified set of systematic ethics, but rather an understanding between the approach to life and the world. Shintoism is a polytheistic religion that consists of the belief of the existence and power of the kami, gods, which are in the world, nature, and throughout Japan. The kami is the title of Shinto gods and goddesses, and this term is referred to anything above, high, special, or things that inspire a sense of awe in the eye of the beholder. There are three types of kami which include:
Values
While Shintoism is known for its worldly perspective rather than a long list of beliefs, it still possesses core values that contribute to the general understanding of Shintoism as a religion. Within Shintoism, there are many set central ideas existing among the many beliefs of Shintos. Many of these values include:
Place of worship
In Shintoism, the designated place of worship is a shrine. A shrine is known as one of the most sacred places in Japan, and are considered "places of the kami". In the eyes of the Japanese, shrines are peaceful places and spiritual housings of the sacred, and some even consider them as their spiritual home. Shrines are usually located nearby landscapes, and this was a way to emphasize their connection with the natural world. Many Shinto shrines are places of serenity and surrounded by beautiful gardens. Typically, a shrine is made of natural materials, such as wood, and are designed to provide a home for the dedicated kami. However, shrines are not necessarily always a building, but also could be rocks, trees, or mountains, if only the specific kami was chosen for that certain shrine. Although, shrines are primarily focused on the kami, it is very uncommon to find any statue of the kami within the shrine. At a Shinto shrine, the activities that usually occur are praying for good fortune, paying respect for the Kami, offerings, and rituals performed by the Shinto priests.
Symbolic places/structures
Within this belief system, there are other symbolic places/structures besides the shrines. One of these symbolic places is called is the Temisuya, or purification fountain. It is found near the entrance of the shrine, mainly because it allows those who are in a state of impurity to get rid that impurity in order to go near the kami. Its main purpose is to serve as the place of purification, and usually all that is required is to rinse both one's hands and mouth with the water flowing from the fountain. In fact, the entrance to the shrine is guarded by the torii gates, which possess great significance to Shintoism. It provides as a boundary between the sacred world of the shrine and the world outside, which allows worshipers to fully dedicate themselves and feel the aura of spiritual divinity.
Marisol, Rebecca, and Tasmiah
Major Beliefs
There are many beliefs that go into a religion. However, Shintoism is not a religion with strict guidelines or a unified set of systematic ethics, but rather an understanding between the approach to life and the world. Shintoism is a polytheistic religion that consists of the belief of the existence and power of the kami, gods, which are in the world, nature, and throughout Japan. The kami is the title of Shinto gods and goddesses, and this term is referred to anything above, high, special, or things that inspire a sense of awe in the eye of the beholder. There are three types of kami which include:
- Abstract powers associated with nature
- Bodies of water, forests, natural rock or land formation, nature of certain weather events
- Family ancestors
- Souls of the honorable dead
- soldiers and other dead by war
- Steal from others
- Commit murder
- Lie to others
Values
While Shintoism is known for its worldly perspective rather than a long list of beliefs, it still possesses core values that contribute to the general understanding of Shintoism as a religion. Within Shintoism, there are many set central ideas existing among the many beliefs of Shintos. Many of these values include:
- The Four Affirmations
- Tradition and the family
- It is taught that family is the foundation for the preservation of tradition.
- Love of Nature
- Nature is sacred and to be in harmony with nature is to share a connection with the Gods.
- Physical Cleanliness
- Ritual bathing take place to insure purity physically and spiritually
- Matsuri
- The worship and honor given to the Kami and ancestral spirits, usually done at festivals
- Tradition and the family
- Purity
- It is greatly related to physical cleanliness, however, purity is thought to be the heart of Shintoism's understanding of good and evil. When a person is considered impure, it is meant that their spiritual being is disconnected from their kami. In fact, purity is so important in Shintoism that it was said "cleanliness is next to godliness".
Place of worship
In Shintoism, the designated place of worship is a shrine. A shrine is known as one of the most sacred places in Japan, and are considered "places of the kami". In the eyes of the Japanese, shrines are peaceful places and spiritual housings of the sacred, and some even consider them as their spiritual home. Shrines are usually located nearby landscapes, and this was a way to emphasize their connection with the natural world. Many Shinto shrines are places of serenity and surrounded by beautiful gardens. Typically, a shrine is made of natural materials, such as wood, and are designed to provide a home for the dedicated kami. However, shrines are not necessarily always a building, but also could be rocks, trees, or mountains, if only the specific kami was chosen for that certain shrine. Although, shrines are primarily focused on the kami, it is very uncommon to find any statue of the kami within the shrine. At a Shinto shrine, the activities that usually occur are praying for good fortune, paying respect for the Kami, offerings, and rituals performed by the Shinto priests.
Symbolic places/structures
Within this belief system, there are other symbolic places/structures besides the shrines. One of these symbolic places is called is the Temisuya, or purification fountain. It is found near the entrance of the shrine, mainly because it allows those who are in a state of impurity to get rid that impurity in order to go near the kami. Its main purpose is to serve as the place of purification, and usually all that is required is to rinse both one's hands and mouth with the water flowing from the fountain. In fact, the entrance to the shrine is guarded by the torii gates, which possess great significance to Shintoism. It provides as a boundary between the sacred world of the shrine and the world outside, which allows worshipers to fully dedicate themselves and feel the aura of spiritual divinity.
Worshipers at a traditional temisuya at a local shrine in Japan.
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Torii gate
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Death and Afterlife
In the perspective of a Shinto, the afterlife is not a primary concern. Shintoism puts much more emphasis on living in this world, and finding happiness within it, rather than focusing on the next world. The goal of religious life in Shintoism was to join ancestors after death, in order to protect the future generations. It is believed that the Shinto dead become guardian kami of their household, and that spirits inhabit the after world, where deities reside. In fact, the after world was not merely one place but several:
Central Administration
Shintoism is not the type of religion that possesses a certainty of a central administration, however it did have priests who were in charge of rituals performed at shrines. In Shintoism, it is not a difficult task to actually become a priest, in fact, it is possible to become a priest after attending a 5-day training program. Both men and women are able to become priests, and their main duty is to perform purification rituals and ceremonies. A traditional priest at a small shrine attends regular monthly Shinto rituals, as well as help arrange weddings, funerals, and other ceremonies. In addition to that, priests are accompanied by female shrine attendants and ceremonial dancers, called miko. In ancient times, it was accustomed and required for the miko women to be virgins, so that their purity was assured.
In the perspective of a Shinto, the afterlife is not a primary concern. Shintoism puts much more emphasis on living in this world, and finding happiness within it, rather than focusing on the next world. The goal of religious life in Shintoism was to join ancestors after death, in order to protect the future generations. It is believed that the Shinto dead become guardian kami of their household, and that spirits inhabit the after world, where deities reside. In fact, the after world was not merely one place but several:
- Takamano-hara
- heaven, where the main deities occupy
- Yomi
- underworld and territory of the divine mother of Japan
- Tokoyo
- located somewhere past the sea
- The other world is neither paradise or hell but similar to the world we live in today
- Kichu-fida
- a period of intense mourning, usually lasts for one day, mourners wear black and some carry a rosary with them. This day begins and ends with rituals performed by Shinto priests.
- Koden
- the giving of funerary gifts, where friends and family usually give monetary gifts to the family of the decrease, to help with the costs of the funeral.
- Kotsauge
- the gathering of a person’s ashes
Central Administration
Shintoism is not the type of religion that possesses a certainty of a central administration, however it did have priests who were in charge of rituals performed at shrines. In Shintoism, it is not a difficult task to actually become a priest, in fact, it is possible to become a priest after attending a 5-day training program. Both men and women are able to become priests, and their main duty is to perform purification rituals and ceremonies. A traditional priest at a small shrine attends regular monthly Shinto rituals, as well as help arrange weddings, funerals, and other ceremonies. In addition to that, priests are accompanied by female shrine attendants and ceremonial dancers, called miko. In ancient times, it was accustomed and required for the miko women to be virgins, so that their purity was assured.
Group 5: Shintoism in the Present Day
Women and Men's roles within Shintoism
Women and Men's roles within Shintoism
- Men were considered to be the superior gender, men were always the one to lead prayers, festivals, shrine work, and certain worships.
- Two women, whose names areNobuyo Otagaki and Mihoko Ishii are prime examples of women that decided to break the division between the men and women. Due to the fact, they preached about how women held little to no knowledge about anything, which caused women to not be equal with men. This inspired women to change their life styles to attempt to decrease the barrier that divided Shintoist men and women.
- Shintoism is a polytheistic religion. Meaning, Shintoist believe in multiple gods and goddesses.
- The kami is believed to have about eight million gods and goddesses.
- Amaterasu is the sun goddess. She is the most important of all the gods. She was born out of her father, Izanagi’s left eye. She is widely known to be the world’s light on Earth.
- Inari, provides resources for the citizens on Earth, he keeps them fed.. He is the god of rice, wine, success, sword makers, and merchants.
- Inari has been said to have been on Earth in two forms an old man and a young lady. Nonetheless in both forms he is said to have rice with him. Some worship him as a fox, due to his relation with creatures.
- Niinamesai is a national holiday that takes place on November 23. It is Labor Thanksgiving Day, and it meant harvest festival. People appreciate of having food, giving thanks for the things they gain from the nature, and having a chance to share with Kami.
- Oshogatsu is Shinto New Year and it’s the most important holidays in the year. It takes place on January 1 and will last several days. One tradition on New Year's Eve was striking the joya no kane, which is the end of the year bell
- Shintoism is still one of Japan’s dominating/popular religion; Shintoism and Buddhism are the two religions that the people in Japan practice.
- Shrines are very similar to churches and temples. Shrines are still located and built within Japan, and they're still the institutions/federations of Japan,
- The emperor of Japan is considered to be the divine descendant of Amaterasu Ōmikami and the highest Shinto priest.
- The emperor's most important religious duty is to pray to the kami for the prosperity of Japan, the happiness of the Japanese people, and peace in the world.
- The priests that are within these shrines can either be male or female.
- In modern day society, about 2,700,001 people follow Shintoism
- Approximately 0.2% of the world follow Shintoism
- Shintoism is religiously tolerant. They allow the coexistence of other religions.
- Shintoism promotes peace by focusing mainly on their beliefs of how peace is found by living in harmony with nature.
- In Shintoism, you'll see many Shintoist see nature in a admiration point of view
Group 6: Branches, Sects, and Divisions
All About: Shintoism
The main branches of Shintoism are Jinja Shinto, Kyoha Shinto and Minzoku Shinto. There was once State Shinto, however it was abolished because of WWII. The Shinto belief system as well as, Animism do not have specific founders for any of the branches and the original belief itself.
All About: Animism
Animism is the earliest form of religion. This is a Tribal Religion which means it is practiced within certain tribes (there is no specific origin). There are two major branches of Animism. The branches consist of Santeria (“The way of the Saints”), and Vodun (Voodoo). The prefix “anima” means soul and life.
Branches of Shinto
Differences between Shinto and Animism
Can division be avoided?
All About: Shintoism
The main branches of Shintoism are Jinja Shinto, Kyoha Shinto and Minzoku Shinto. There was once State Shinto, however it was abolished because of WWII. The Shinto belief system as well as, Animism do not have specific founders for any of the branches and the original belief itself.
All About: Animism
Animism is the earliest form of religion. This is a Tribal Religion which means it is practiced within certain tribes (there is no specific origin). There are two major branches of Animism. The branches consist of Santeria (“The way of the Saints”), and Vodun (Voodoo). The prefix “anima” means soul and life.
Branches of Shinto
- Jinja Shinto is the oldest branch out of all the others and is also known as the shrine branch.
- Jinja Shinto controlled the general activities in the city and local community.
- Kyoha Shinto is the 13 sects of Shinto. It is subdivided to Fusokyo, Izumo Oyashirokyô and many more.
- Minzoku Shinto is known as the folk branch.
- Minzoku Shinto they deal with the customs and traditions of the original Shinto.
- In Santeria, the god Olodumare chooses the “inner head” which includes the person’s character, special talents, and it shows the person’s essence as well.
- Once the person dies, they carry out the essence and it becomes a spirit which others recognize during rituals.
- Santeria has an Afro-Caribbean origination.
- In Vodun, each person has a soul with 2 specific parts: part one is “gros bon ange” which means big guardian angel and part 2 is “ti bon ange” which means little guardian angel.
- Vodun has a Haitian origination.
Differences between Shinto and Animism
- Shintoism was originated from Japan and Animism does not have a specific origin.
- Also, Shintoism is more practiced throughout Japan while Animism is practiced more in Africa and the Americas.
- Both belief systems say that non-human entities such as the sun, rocks, mountains, and animals all have souls.
- They respected the spirits in nature.
- Both Shintoism and Animism are polytheistic. This means that both of them believe in more than one God.
- Another way they are different is that both have no founders. Animism formed gradually because as more religions formed, they carried on the idea of animism: that all human and non-human entities (animals, rocks, plants, etc.) have spirits within them.
- Shintoism also carried on the same idea.
- 500 BCE: The original Shinto was founded in Japan.
- 8000 BCE:The beginning of the belief of Animism by Native Americans.
- 1882: Beginning of State Shinto
- 1945: End of State Shinto (After WWII)
Can division be avoided?
- Division can not be avoided because Shinto was once infused with Buddhism.
- In order for Shinto to be its own religion, the Kyoha Shinto had to be separated to have foreign Buddhism practices banished from Shinto.
- Also, Kyoha Shinto had to be separated from the original in order for false and superstitious things to be not brought up for the religion.
Group 7: Issues/ Solutions
Trina Alimi(leader), Farjana Rahman, Anish Pandey, Rich Lau, Kevin Ramdarie
Intro:
Shintoism is a religion that strongly believes in peace and living in accord with all living things. Shinto teaches that “specific deeds create a kind of ritual impurity that we should want cleansed for our own peace of mind and good fortune.” Shinto also teaches to be pure and have a way with the gods. Shinto believes in the idea that to kill a living organism for one’s own benefit should be kept to a minimum. Purification is a critical factor of Shintoism.
Sources-
intro: http://www.religionresourcesonline.org/religious-beliefs-wiki/Summary_of_Shintoism
1)http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/shinto/history/history_1.shtml
2) http://isites.harvard.edu/fs/docs/icb.topic1187655.files/D2-%20The%20Heian%20Age%20of%20Japan/shinto-buddhism.pdf
6) http://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2013/07/06/editorials/violence-against-women/
1)What important conflicts has your belief system experienced either in present day or some point in world history?
An important conflict Shintoism faced was that it was not as complex as other religions. Since Shintoism was introduced before Buddhism, it lacked the essential features of an operational religion. Shintoism had no founder, which makes the beliefs seem unbelievable. Although Shintoism and Buddhism tried to accommodate each other and incorporate the other religion into theirs, they competed with each other, too. This is a problem because Shinto shrines became Buddhist temples and existed within each other. People entered Shinto shrines and found Buddhist priests teaching them the history of Buddhism. This meant that they were unable to develop their knowledge on Shinto ideologies and philosophies.
2) Why did the conflict begin? Has the conflict been resolve? If so, what was the result? Explain.
Buddhism was formally introduced into Japan during 538 or 552 C.E when the king of Korea (Pekche)** had sent a statue of Buddha to the emperor of Japan; his name was Kimmei Tenno**. Buddhism had finally reached Japan prior to the sixth century by immigrants of Korea and China. In the Nahangi records, it says that the emperor had accepted Korea’s gift and found it ecstatic. However, there may have been a bit of confusion because the Minister’s reception was mixed. Masaharu Anesaki had stated that the arrival of knowledge(i.e. astronomy, medical arts, writing, etc.) from the Asian continent, had come from Buddhism. Knowing this, Anesaki’s statement was very impelling in the role of Buddhism getting accepted by the people. Shintoism was still the indigenous religion of Japan but it lacked an established founder, official sacred texts, and a formalized system of doctrine. Stuart Picken had pointed out the fact that Shinto didn’t even create a name yet. The only recorded usage of the name was under the reign of the Emperor Yomei; who had followed “the way of kami” and Buddhism. So, the name of Shinto was resulted by the arrival of Buddhism. Even though Shinto may not have as complex rituals as Buddhism, it is still a religion that the Japan people have followed. In order for people to know the difference between the two, they had just changed the name from Shindo to Shinto. In addition, Buddhism is “the way of Buddha” while Shinto is “the way of kami.”
3) What is your belief system’s perspective towards issues of violence/ oppressed? Is there one group (towards others or within your religion) who is oppressed or treated violently? Why?
The shinto did not agree with violence/oppression. In fact “shinto’s relationship with other religions in japan are generally cooperative and harmonious. Shintos insisted on maintaining their own characteristics and inner depth while working toward the peaceful coexistence of human beings.” Thus showing the peaceful nature the shintos try to preserve throughout their daily life and with other religions. “Related to the kami is the understanding that the shino followers are supposed to live in harmony with other religious traditions.” Furthermore violence and oppression is not supported throughout shintoism. However Japan Being the base of shintoism was oppressed post World War 2 by the United States. Shintoism was forced to be dismantled by the U.S. government to change Japan's native government to a constitutional government. However to do this “Hirohito was forced to renounce his divine status,” this was very important because “the shinto system included the belief that the emperor. In this case Hirohito, was divine.” In other words Japan was oppressed according to there believe that the Emperor was divine.
4) Describe any actions (if applicable) taken by the central administration of the belief system towards resolving issues of violence/oppression.
The people of Japan felt burdened by the battle of control between the Buddhists and Shintos. The Buddhists were gaining more and more control in the government in Japan by the 8th century. The conflict was resolved by declaring Shintoism ‘non-religious’ so that the people did not have to be burdened with two religions forced on them. Shintoism and Buddhism coexist in government now and in the Japaneses government. The Meiji Constitution said that the Japanese people should not be prejudicial, to keep peace and order in their land, and not to antagonize others, no matter what religion. The constitution also states that the Japanese people to know and understand their duties but they should enjoy their freedom of religious belief.
5) What actions have been taken at the communal level (individuals, local church groups, community organizations etc.) towards resolving issues of violence/oppression.
Actions taken to resolve issues of violence/oppression was the transformation of shintoism in Japan, to a daily tradition of their culture for the Japanese people. As a result shintoism was considered “non religious.” Hence why many Japanese are shinto but still are another religion such as Buddhist. “Shinto was regarded as inseparable from the ‘imperial way’ and inseparable from the fundamental ethical and social code of Japan.”Additionally Historian Kuroda Toshio explains that it has come to be regarded as “the cultural will or energy of the Japanese people, embodied in conventions that precede or transcend religion.”
6) What more can be done to address these issues? Discuss already proposed ideas and come up with your own, original ideas toward a peaceful resolution.
The way to solve this would be adding even more laws against domestic violence. According to some statistics, the current policies and laws aren’t enough. “In Japan, 26 percent of women were punched, kicked or shoved, with another 14 percent forced to have sex. Eighteen percent of Japanese women also suffer psychological abuse, so longer-term counseling and mental health treatment are necessary.” says a news site. There needs to be more laws and they need to be stricter. They also need to be enforced better. Even though these solutions won't get rid of all violence completely, it will surely lower the percentage of violence by a giant amount.
