Pacifism as an ism is contemptuous of people.
Actually, the reverse is true, in many ways. Some of them obvious, some of them subtle.
Strategic non-violence is democratic for instance. Because there is no need for secrecy, the day to day decisions about tactics can be determined openly and thus democratically. One cannot wage an armed struggle like that. Armed struggle has to be conducted with hierarchical lines of command.
Of course the problem with with non-violence is that it is democratic. You aren't going to select that strategy if you don't believe you have any hope of getting the support of the people.
It isn't a very good strategy for conducting a coup.
Bill Bartlet Bracknell Tas