Shared Humanity in a Divided World?

“In nature we never see anything isolated, but everything in connection with something else which is before it, beside it, under it and over it.” ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Have you ever wondered why, despite our vast differences, humans across the globe share so many common experiences and emotions? This universal connection stems from what Jungian psychologists would call our “collective unconscious” – a shared foundation of our minds that influences our thoughts and behaviors, often without our awareness. There is an unseen unity beneath our differences.

In today’s world, we’re constantly confronted with evidence of human division. From political polarization in the United States to ethnic conflicts in various parts of the world, it’s easy to focus on what separates us. Various social, political, or cultural groups create powerful cohesion, and often unite internally against outsiders, immigrants, or other groups. Beneath these surface-level divisions lies a profound, easily overlooked unity. The challenge of our time is this: Can we bridge our conscious divisions, and activate a universal spirit of solidarity and human connection?

In the simple terms of holistic psychology: Our unconscious mind, in its attempt to make sense of the world, tends to categorize and divide conscious experiences. This natural tendency is why we see such a diverse array of cultures, belief systems, and identities across the globe. Each of these feels incredibly real and significant to those who hold them.

Consider, for example, the intense rivalries between sports fans. The passion of a Barcelona FC supporter or a New England Patriots fan isn’t just about the game – it’s about identity, community, and belonging. These affiliations can bring people together, but they can also create sharp divides.

Our collective task is to bring the unity that exists in our unconscious into our conscious awareness. It’s about recognizing our differences while understanding our underlying connection. Imagine if rival sports fans could appreciate each other’s passion while recognizing their shared love of the game. This is the kind of mindset shift we need on a global scale.

The Double-Edged Sword of Group Identity

1. Human societies are bound together by shared ideas and beliefs – religions, cultures, ideologies, or “archetypes.” These can be as diverse as the American Dream, the concept of democracy, or even popular cultural phenomena like the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
2. When people strongly identify with these shared ideas, it creates powerful bonds. Think of how the global K-pop community has formed around shared music and cultural interests, transcending national boundaries.
3. However, this bonding also leads to problems. The strong in-group feeling can create an “us vs. them” mentality. We’ve seen this play out in political discourse, where people on opposite sides of the spectrum sometimes seem to be living in entirely different realities, like the Israelis and the Palestinians today.
4. The process of group identification creates borders and boundaries. Consider how social media algorithms often create “echo chambers,” reinforcing existing beliefs and rarely exposing us to differing viewpoints.
5. Unfortunately, we often project our own negative qualities onto those we see as “others.” This “shadow projection” is evident in the way different political groups demonize each other, attributing the worst possible motives to their opponents’ actions.
6. Strong group identification can lead to an inflated sense of righteousness. We can see this in the rise of nationalist movements around the world, where national pride morphs into a belief in inherent superiority.
7. In extreme cases, this feeling of superiority can be used to justify mistreatment of other groups. The ongoing struggles against systemic racism in many countries are a stark reminder of how deeply these attitudes can be embedded in societies.

Living in Echo Chambers: The Costs of Rigid Thinking

1. When we identify too strongly with a group, we often become less aware of our individual thoughts and responsibilities. Think about how people often behave differently in a crowd than they would on their own.
2. This decreased awareness can spread through society, leading to a decline in critical thinking. The spread of misinformation on social media platforms is a perfect example of how this can play out in the real world.
3. When people feel less responsible as individuals, they also feel less able to make positive changes. This can lead to a sense of helplessness in the face of big challenges like climate change.
4. Feeling powerless often leads to feelings of inadequacy, which some people try to cover up by acting superior to others. We can see this in online behavior, where anonymity can bring out the worst in people.
5. All of this pulls us further away from recognizing our shared humanity. The increasing polarization in many societies is a testament to this growing divide.

A New Perspective on Identity

1. Instead of rigidly identifying with specific groups or ideas, we can try to understand these powerful shared concepts as flexible and universal human experiences. For instance, we can appreciate our own cultural traditions while also recognizing the value in others.
2. This means recognizing that no single interpretation of these deep ideas is absolute. Even within our own cultures and belief systems, there’s room for diversity of thought.
3. It involves allowing our sense of self to be more flexible, connecting with something larger than our individual ego or group identity. Movements like global climate activism show how people can unite around shared concerns that transcend national or cultural boundaries.
4. This approach requires staying humble and open to new realizations about ourselves and others. It’s about being willing to say, “I might be wrong” or “I never thought of it that way before.”

Open-Mindedness and Critical Thinking

1. As we become more aware of our shared human experiences, we open up more possibilities for understanding and cooperation. International cultural exchanges and collaborative scientific endeavors are great examples of how this can look like.
2. Increased awareness helps us take more responsibility for our actions and their impacts on others. We’re seeing this in growing movements for ethical consumerism and corporate responsibility.
3. While this way of thinking might lead to some difficult realizations, it ultimately allows for genuine growth and healing. The ongoing conversations about historical injustices in many countries, while painful, are necessary steps toward societal healing.
4. It allows us to tap into human potential that we might not have recognized before. The rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines showed what’s possible when humanity unites around a common goal.

Weaving a New Narrative of Human Unity

Understanding and embracing our shared humanity doesn’t mean erasing our differences. It’s about recognizing that our diverse cultures and beliefs all spring from a common source – our shared human experience. It’s like a grand tapestry where each thread is unique, but together they form a beautiful, cohesive whole.

The journey isn’t always easy. It requires us to question our assumptions, employ critical thinking, face uncomfortable truths, and be willing to change. But the potential rewards are enormous: a more compassionate, understanding, and unified human community.

As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, from technological advancements to global challenges, this understanding of our shared humanity becomes more crucial than ever. It’s the key to solving problems that no single group or nation can tackle alone.

So, the next time you encounter someone with a vastly different background or beliefs, remember: beneath those differences lies a common human experience. In recognizing that shared foundation, we take the first step towards a more united and empathetic world.