# In a Society There is No Them By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2024-03-28 Competition requires an adversary. Given our highly competitive society, we are constantly pitted against somebody or some group. To dehumanize the opponent, one likely categorizes the opposition as “them.” In so many things, there is “us” and “them.” Political parties, religions, organizations, departments, and sports teams come to mind. There is “our side” and “their side.” Us and Them. It’s a relatively short step to go from our side/their side, us/them, to good and evil. Almost universally, whatever side one is on is considered the “good side,” and the side one opposes is considered the “bad side.” Each side sees the other this way. One can see this between Yankee and Red Sox fans, the fans of the Bears and the Packers, those who identify as Republicans or Democrats, and at one time between those using IBM or Apple. These rivalries can be fun. The key to them being fun is not to take them too seriously. One can identify with a given side and want it to “win,” but for the rivalry to be fun, one must respect the opponent and certainly not wish one’s adversary harm. This is seen at its best in sports. One wants healthy competition. One wants to beat a worthy opponent. One wants the rivalry to continue competitively. This is no longer true in modern American politics and the citizenry who identifies and engages in its rhetoric and performance. Politically and socially, our society has moved to one categorized by mistrust and anger. Through the process, we have been reduced to us versus them. This is tragic, as there is no “them” in a society. There is only us. We are all members of this society. It is our collective. As much to those with whom we disagree as with whom we agree. Republicans and Democrats alike. These parties and those who identify with them have significant points of disagreement. These are well known. Even with all these disagreements, only we remain. If we stopped considering the other side “them” and understood that they are us, perhaps we would be better able to see their shared humanity and attempt to work together to improve things for us all. #### Related Items [[Competition]] [[Sports]] [[Society]] [[Politics]] [[American]]