Beyond us and them
2 min read · July 12, 2024
New Power Labs
An 'us vs. them' mindset fuels polarization. This mindset divides people into in-groups ("us") and out-groups ("them"), creating conflict and mistrust. It categorizes individuals based on perceived differences, generalizes their characteristics, and labels them as inferior. This erodes empathy and blocks meaningful dialogue.
The "us vs. them" approach can manifest in various contexts, from workplace dynamics to political discourse and international relations. It often leads to decreased collaboration and increased conflict, and can hinder progress on shared goals or societal issues.
The "us vs. them" mentality leads to discrimination in lending, investment, and hiring practices. It may result in the exclusion of diverse voices from decision-making processes and perpetuate systemic inequalities by maintaining existing power structures. When those with less power view those in power as "them," they may miss opportunities for alliance and support. It can lead to a rejection of well-intentioned efforts from those in power to create change. It may create a self-fulfilling prophecy where assumed hostility leads to actual hostility.
Over the last few weeks, I joined a number of peers in the philanthropic sector to explore productive dialogues in a polarized world. As part of the discussion, one of the facilitators shared the quote below that describes our natural tendencies to avoid discomfort, make quick judgments, and create enemy images of those who disagree with us, underscoring the importance of maintaining curiosity and engaging in difficult conversations to bridge divides and reduce polarization.
“Sitting in the fire and trying to work through it—that’s such daunting work. One of the reasons the tension exists, and we don’t sit in the fire, is because the moment that you say something to me that I disagree with, I’ve already created a narrative around what I think your statement was about. Then I stop being genuinely curious about what your experiences have been, what you were taught growing up, what’s going on for you. The moment I lose genuine curiosity, I create the enemy image of you. And it is that enemy image that then causes us to go the other way.”
— Dr. Caprice Hollins, co-author “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Strategies for Facilitating Conversations on Race”
Narinder
Like what you’re reading? Subscribe to get weekly Equity Shots in your inbox.
