OTHERISM: The Unseen Force Driving Our Divisions

Imagine living in a world where invisible walls divide us, not by bricks or concrete, but by perceptions and prejudices. This is the world of “Otherism”, a term we’ll use to describe the deepening divisions in our increasingly interconnected society.

Otherism encapsulates the process of viewing those outside our immediate social, economic, or ideological group as fundamentally different, even alien. It’s a silent force that fosters division, breeds misunderstanding, and ultimately, drives us apart. But what fuels this Otherism? How does it seep into our daily lives? And most importantly, how does it shape our interactions with the world around us?

Consider your own experiences. Have you ever felt the sting of being “othered”? Or perhaps, have you ever found yourself “othering” someone else, consciously or unconsciously? As we unravel the complexities of Otherism, let’s reflect on these experiences, and more importantly, to question them. After all, understanding is the first step towards change.

Let’s challenge our perceptions and breaking down the invisible walls of Otherism.

Understanding Otherism

Otherism is a derivative of the concept of “Othering”, a social phenomenon where individuals or groups are labeled as not fitting within the norms of a social group. It’s a process that influences how we perceive and treat those who are viewed as part of the in-group versus those who are seen as part of the out-group.

Othering is not just about differences, it’s about marginalization and inequality across a range of human differences based on group identities. It’s relevant to public health as an analytical lens that helps to understand the link between minority status and health inequalities.

But Otherism goes beyond Othering. It’s a heightened state where these divisions are exploited, often for political or economic gain. It’s a state where the “us versus them” narrative is amplified, leading to increased societal tension and division.

Consider these points:

How does “Othering” manifest in your daily interactions? Are there groups you unconsciously categorize as “other”?
Reflect on the societal structures that might be reinforcing these divisions. How do they benefit from maintaining these divisions? Lastly, think about the role of economic desperation in this process.
How might economic stressors exacerbate the process of “Othering”, leading to a state of “Otherism”?

The Evolution of Tribalism

Tribalism, in its original form, was a survival mechanism. Early human evolution primarily occurred in small hunter-gatherer groups, as opposed to larger and more recently settled agricultural societies or civilizations. These tribes provided a sense of belonging, protection, and a way to share resources.

As societies grew and became more complex, the tribal instinct didn’t disappear. Instead, it evolved and manifested in different ways. Today, tribalism often refers to strong loyalty to one’s own tribe or social group, leading to strong negative feelings for people outside the group. It involves emotions such as disgust and sometimes hatred at the members of outgroups, or outrage when their behavior violates ingroup norms.

In the face of declining resources or perceived threats, tribal tendencies can intensify. A study presents a model of the evolution of tribalism in which the presence of inter-group competition — particularly in the face of declining resources — shifts evolutionary rewards to individuals with a propensity to engage in individually-costly, but group-strengthening behavior.

Consider these points:

Reflect on how tribalism might be influencing your perceptions of others. Are there groups you feel a strong allegiance to? How does this affect your interactions with those outside your group?
Consider how societal changes, such as economic shifts or resource scarcity, might be influencing tribal behaviors. Are there current events that might be exacerbating these tendencies?
Lastly, think about how tribalism contributes to “Otherism”. How might our tribal instincts be driving us to other and marginalize those outside our groups?

Media Influence on Otherism

Media, particularly social media, plays a significant role in shaping our perceptions and interactions with the world around us. It has the power to influence individual beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors, and can even shape social norms.

The public generally believes that the internet and social media are affecting societies, seeing changes both positively and negatively. However, risky developments such as political manipulation call for considerations regarding education, responsibility, and monitoring diversity and pluralism.

When Americans were asked to evaluate the media’s standing in the nation, about 41% say news organizations are growing in their influence. This growing influence can amplify the “us versus them” narrative, leading to increased societal tension and division.

Consider these points:

Reflect on the media you consume. How might it be influencing your perceptions of “others”?
Consider the role of social media in your life. How might it be contributing to Otherism?
Lastly, think about the potential for media to both create and bridge divisions. How might we harness the power of media to combat Otherism?

The Role of Economic Desperation

Economic desperation is a potent force that can drive societal division and exacerbate Otherism. When resources are scarce and survival is at stake, our instinctive response is to protect our own. This often leads to the creation of “in-groups” and “out-groups”, a process that fuels Otherism.

The U.S., for instance, is the only developed country where the downward trend in mortality has reversed since 1990, a trend driven primarily by high school (or less) educated whites. This is a clear indication of economic desperation, and it’s not hard to see how this could lead to societal division and Otherism.

Individuals offend when their own absolute level of resources is desperately low, and the effect of increasing inequality is to increase the number of people in this situation.

Consider these points:

Reflect on how economic desperation might influence your perception of others. Do you see a correlation?
Think about the societal structures that might be exacerbating economic desperation. How might they be contributing to “Otherism”?
Lastly, consider the role of the rich in this process. How might their actions and policies be contributing to economic desperation and, by extension, “Otherism”?

The Rich Getting Richer: Fueling Otherism

Wealth inequality is a significant factor contributing to societal division and Otherism. The wealth gap in the United States is higher than in almost any other developed country, and it is rising. This growing wealth gap can contribute to Otherism, as those with wealth become an “in-group”, while those without become an “out-group”.

The racial wealth gap in America is persistent and extreme, further exacerbating divisions. These economic disparities can fuel Otherism, as they create a sense of “us” and “them” based on economic status.

Consider these points:

Reflect on how wealth inequality might influence your perception of others. Do you see a correlation?
Think about the societal structures that might be exacerbating wealth inequality. How might they be contributing to “Otherism”?
Lastly, consider the role of the rich in this process. How might their actions and policies be contributing to wealth inequality and, by extension, “Otherism”?

The Fourth Turning and Otherism

The concept of the “Fourth Turning” was introduced by Neil Howe and William Strauss in their 1997 book. They proposed a generational theory of history, arguing that history follows a cyclical pattern of four turnings, each lasting about 20–25 years.

According to this theory, the Fourth Turning is a period of crisis, a time when society undergoes major upheaval, and old social and political structures are torn down. This period of crisis can exacerbate Otherism, as societal tension and division increase.

Consider these points:

Reflect on the current societal and political climate. Do you see signs of a “Fourth Turning”? How might this be contributing to “Otherism”
Think about the societal structures that might be torn down during this period. How might their dissolution contribute to “Otherism”?
Lastly, consider the role of crisis in this process. How might societal upheaval and crisis exacerbate “Otherism”?

Overcoming Otherism

Overcoming Otherism requires a conscious effort to bridge divisions and foster understanding. It’s not an easy task, but it’s a necessary one if we want to build a more inclusive and equitable society.

One approach is public conflict resolution, civic fusion, and mediative decision-making. These strategies can help us coexist in fragmented and polarized societies.

We can learn from unsung heroes who have helped society overcome division. Their stories remind us that progress is not only charted by great men and women, but also by ordinary people having conversations.

Consider these points:

Reflect on your role in overcoming Otherism. What actions can you take to bridge divisions and foster understanding?
Consider the societal structures that might be hindering or helping this process. How can they be improved to combat Otherism?
Lastly, think about the role of dialogue and conversation in this process. How can open and respectful conversation help us overcome Otherism?

Otherism is a complex phenomenon, deeply rooted in our societal structures and individual perceptions. It’s fueled by tribalism, economic desperation, media influence, wealth inequality, and societal upheavals like the “Fourth Turning”. However, by understanding these factors and consciously working to bridge divisions, we can combat “Otherism”.

Overcoming Otherism is not just about changing societal structures, but also about changing our individual perceptions and interactions. As we navigate these challenging times, let’s strive to foster understanding, bridge divisions, and build a more inclusive and equitable society.

As we conclude, I leave you with a question to ponder:

“How will you contribute to overcoming Otherism in your daily life?”

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