Us Vs. Them
Our ability to work together for successful group cohesion is generally marked by having a joint undertaking. When the goal is the same for everyone, any limitation through differences in thought or opinion is tolerable to the degree that it probably won't bring detriment to the outcome.
Polarity, directional contradiction surrounding what the goal should be, is often obstructive, bringing about conflict, resistance, antagonism, and hostility. It divides the psyche in two where the common belief becomes "if they are not with us, then they must be against us." What is the origin of the us vs. them mentality? Let's turn to the field of evolutionary psychology for some answers.
Inter-group conflict, often referred to in today's political climate as tribalism, occurs in all societal environments. In fact, there are documented cases of the same behaviors in other species, such as primates, lions, and wolves, to name a few. The us vs. them mentality is not merely a new phenomenon.
We see inter-group conflict primarily because it serves an adaptive purpose. When you categorize what makes your group cooperate and compare it to another group's differences, you begin to formulate a clearer idea of what constitutes the in-group behaviors compared to the out-group behaviors. Our proclivity toward biases offers mental short-cuts and, from an evolutionary standpoint, provides opportunities for reproduction and survival.
It does not take much other than simply reading the news on your phone or turning on your television to realize that there are national (e.g., liberals vs. conservatives) or international (e.g., U.S. vs. China) inter-group conflicts presently at play. You've likely heard the increased usage of the term "unprecedented times" far more frequently in the year 2020 than at any other point in time. Since the founding of the United States, the country and its inhabitants have gone through cycles of secular and spiritual crises. Such a common occurrence that the next secular or spiritual crisis can be predicted.
The motivation for these crises is mostly unconscious, one of the great mysteries of collective origin. As hard as it may be to accept, these crises are necessary. They generally bring about a sense of collective responsibility through reconciliation.
In European history, the late middle ages' crisis was followed by the Renaissance, characterized by outstanding artistic achievements, technological innovations, and a profound sense of humanism. The crisis of 2020 will lead to very similar outcomes.
We need to point our fingers at ourselves if we want favorable outcomes. Understanding "them" first and foremost means understanding "us." We believe we are correct, and so do they.
Our convictions in our beliefs often make us blind to see the moral arguments and values associated with a perceived opposing side. Inter-group conflict only travels so far before it reaches a place where the likelihood of reproduction or survival begins to appear dismal.
Understanding another's argument does not necessarily mean that you agree with them. It only means that you are suspending your beliefs long enough to witness another's humanity. They are no longer an enemy and not quite a friend. "They" are "us," and "we" are "them."