> "For example, I am a pacifist. When I tell this to people, they sometimes assume I would stand aside and do nothing if a loved one was threatened with violenc

> "For example, I am a pacifist. When I tell this to people, they sometimes assume I would stand aside and do nothing if a loved one was threatened with violence. In fact, the opposite is true: I would act aggressively and assertively (or I hope I would). Pacifist != Passive" It sounds as if people are confused because you are using the word pacifist incorrectly. Pacifism means that you believe violence is never the answer. Look at a list of definitions: Pacifism: the belief that any violence, including war, is unjustifiable under any circumstances, and that all disputes should be settled by peaceful means. Pacifism: opposition to war or violence as a means of settling disputes Pacifism: an attitude or policy of nonresistance Pacifism: opposition to war or violence of any kind Your position may be reasonable, but it isn't pacifism.