Lust for Strife

  It seems as though we humans are constantly looking to self-identify with groups within the larger society. Whether the groups are religious, political or based on love for specific pro or college teams, so many of us seek comfort, security, validation, status and other things that feel good by way of a group or organization. Of course the concept of associating with "like-minded" people provides us with the basic rationale we need to become part of a group. But I see other darker aspects of becoming part of an organization- whether large or small.

  Organizations define themselves in large part not by the values and beliefs they espouse but rather by the dislike of non-members of the organization. Religion is the most obvious example. How many deaths have occurred in the course of world history because of religious strife? Co-existence is never an option. Instead, the very existence of other religions is an abomination to many adherents of a faith. Better to wipe them out than try to live in peace with them. Short of killing, we have the nearly universal practices of discrimination in more "civilized" societies. "I won't kill you because I am not a savage, but I also will not associate with you in my business or personal life."  P.S. I am not thrilled about the prospect of your moving into my neighborhood either. The latter sentiment applies to religion/race/national origin and sexual orientation.

  The Democrats and Republicans in 21st century America are guilty of the same thing. They do not, as a general rule, work together and compromise to solve real problems. Instead, most members of Congress speak in sound bites about how irrationally the enemy party is acting. Legislation does not get passed. Or, as we have seen recently, legislation gets passed in the House and dies in the Senate. The president therefore acts via executive order and is accused of unconstitutional behavior. When we look at how these people perpetuate themselves in office it is inevitably through the negative attack ad. Remember that Democrats are supposed to loathe Republicans and vice versa.

   So we have a pathological need to associate with various groups. Sadly, it also seems that we have an innate need to demonize non-members of our groups. I am speculating that the cause of this need is rooted in ignorance, fear and generalized feelings of insecurity.

(Edited 9/25/19)