World peace. To some it may seem like an oxymoron, especially amidst the current conflicts across the globe. For centuries humankind has struggled to prevent and resolve violence with armies and institutions, treaties and cease-fire agreements, etc.The real answer to stopping bloodshed, however, may come from a much unexpected place: BW3s.

Recently the home of 25 cent wings and large TV screens hosted a Rock, Paper, Scissors competition, which I attended to support my roommate and colleague Bob Snyderburn in his quest to win a trip to Las Vegas. While watching the faces of the fierce competitors in this winner-takes-all tournament, it was easy to envision a scene of mayhem should someone take a loss badly. Each contestant was representing more than just themselves, for behind every throw of rock, paper or scissors, there lay fears, hopes and dreams for a glorious victory. When asked later about what it was like to participate, Bob said, 'To compete it takes determination, a high sense of pride and, most of all, heart. You have to get to know each opponent like they were your own family.' This statement strikes close to the mark, for on the faces of everybody in the room there was a mutual feeling of support and confidence for both sides of this battle.

Logically, this shouldn't be correct, right? For here in America, Rock, Paper, Scissors offers no concessions to the losers and raises the winners upon a pedestal of greatness to the ranks of such notable celebrities as Stephen Colbert or Burt Reynolds. However, this illogical feeling of harmony between competing factions of the Rock, Paper, Scissors tournament was as tangible as this edition of Flyer News in your hands right now.

The reasons behind this sensation may be a mystery, but their effect is enough to offer a vision of hope for humankind's future. If local residents of Dayton can get through their ideological differences of the superiority of rock, paper or scissors, then why couldn't world leaders? How many crises would be averted if instead of ineffectual peace summits, there were instead free wings and a chance to change history without bloodshed?

Imagine the joy of standing by your friends as you watch George Bush throw down against Kim Jong Il. 'Oh, nice combo there George. I guess that means I'll stop my nuclear weapons program.' These diplomatic skills could be used in all arenas of life, for both international and domestic disputes.

Peace efforts will always be sought after, so the next time you engage your friend in a friendly game of Rock, Paper, Scissors, remember that your skills may come in handy as the next generation of diplomatic strategy.

Anthony Hill
Junior
Chemical Engineering
French