The previous two wrong ideas force us into “them vs. us” relationships. It is a fear-based idea in which we feel insecure and deprived. I believe there is healthy competition that motivates us to achieve our best. But it seems we are often guided by the wrong idea that one person’s gain means another’s loss. And that kind of competition leads to conflict. There is a tendency to assume the worst in others, pointing out weaknesses and shortcomings. This is particularly true about those who do not look like us. When guided by the idea of scarcity (wrong idea 2), win any way you can, lest you lose your share is the rule. And those who win even when it harms others are elevated. Bullying, aggression, and intimidation are often praised as indicators of success. Cooperation and consensus are viewed as weaknesses. And in a “slash and burn” culture, we resent those whom we believe stand in the way of what we want.
On Nov. 1898 an organized violent coup took place in Wilmington NC. It was organized by white men who resented the success Blacks had experienced in the last city election. Black people had established a successful community in Wilmington. They owned businesses, ran newspapers, owned property, and had some political power. Then a mob of more than 2000 white male rioters destroyed Black-owned newspaper buildings, businesses, and homes. Blacks who held public office were forced to resign at gunpoint. Local law enforcement did nothing to stop the carnage. More than 60 African Americans were murdered. The riot took a devastating toll on the economic prospects of Black Americans which are still felt today. And eventually, Wilmington NC was restored to its customary racist hierarchy of white supremacy. Attacks on successful Black communities have occurred time and again. Tulsa, Rosewood, Oscarville, and The East St. Louis massacre are grim examples of jealousy and false entitlement that demand white people must be on top.
On the night of Jan.20, 2009, while President Obama was enjoying his inaugural ball. Republican leaders huddled together in a secret meeting plotting to oppose and thwart his leadership. During his presidency, Republicans made it their mission to deny him any success even when it benefited American citizens. They were so committed to this strategy that they refused to support legislation that they had previously introduced. They had lost the election and their goal was to regain power by any means necessary, rather than legislating for the good of Americans. In their minds, it was a zero-sum proposition. The more power the new president had, the less for them. But more important for them, I believe, was the sense that his ascendancy as president was an existential threat to the status quo. Very few people ever imagined that a Black person could become President of the United States. In this country the rules for privilege and power were clear. That title belonged to white people, particularly males. For his entire presidency, Republican leaders undermined, insulted, and vilified President Obama because they considered him out of place. And similar attitudes were held by many everyday white Americans. Supported by the fear-based notion that they were somehow, losing their position as entitled Americans.
A “Them vs. Us” attitude limits our ability to solve the problems facing us as a society. When we compare this “exceptional “nation to other countries, we find ourselves lagging behind in several key indicators of prosperity and well-being. We have the highest rate of incarceration…One of the highest rates in the world for infant mortality. We are among the highest in the world in illegal drug-related deaths. compared to other industrialized nations. Even when we pay more than almost any other country for health care our capacity to care for the health needs of sister citizens falls short. Americans lag behind in education outcomes, And the latest data suggest life expectancy among whites is declining. It seems to advantage those at the top of the human food chain when many of us are marginalized and deprived stifling our capacity to achieve.
What if we changed our minds and decided it is to our collective advantage to create a culture in which cooperation is the norm? And we all could achieve at our highest capacity. What if our leaders could work across the aisle and beyond political affiliations to solve problems? What if everyday citizens recognized each other as neighbors rather than strangers? What if it becomes our primary goal … create a more perfect union rooted in compassion, prosperity, equity, and justice.
Next Post: Wrong Idea 4
The Everybody as Our Own Movement is bold, audacious, courageous, elegant, compassionate and ethical. Let’s start the wave and create an Everybody as Our Own nation.
You Are Welcome Here.
Lutricia (Pat) Callair