The Toxicity of Divisiveness

I don’t know about you, but I’m starting to worry about the world.  Is it just me, or has the world become rather dichotomous?  (Dictionary.com defines dichotomous as “divided or dividing into two parts.”)  It seems to me that the level of divisiveness in the world is worse than it ever has been.  Do you agree?

As I look back over the past 5-10 years, I see this phenomenon ramping up around three topics: race, politics, and health.

I can still remember the divisiveness that was in the US in the 1960s.  Race and politics were hot topics then, and the nation was split severely.  I don’t recall these two issues expanding globally like I see them now.

The topic of race heated up significantly in 2014 around the events in Ferguson, Missouri.  I won’t go into the events, but I was stunned and humbled by the vitriolic dialog spreading around.  I was humbled by some sane voices arising from that event.  My favorite, calm voice during this time was Benjamin Watson, a player for the New Orleans Saints.  His expression started as a Facebook post.  He had enough to say that he wrote a book about it entitled, “Under Our Skin.”  I highly recommend this book.  It was impactful enough to me that I’ll probably write a separate post about it.  The subtitle to the book says it best: “Getting real about race – and getting free from the fears and frustrations that divide us.”

The race-related incidents haven’t calmed down much since the Ferguson event.  I would argue that they’ve gotten worse.  There have been incidents and resulting protests (and sometimes riots) recently.  The topic of race divides us.

Politics really took a dichotomous turn leading up to the 2016 U.S. Presidential election, and don’t seem to be improving yet.  The only good thing I got out of the dialog leading up to that election was that I fully understand my position on the political spectrum.  I am neither Republican nor Democrat.  I classify myself as a constitutional conservative.  I have done a lot of research on the history of the formation of the United States and really embrace our founding principles.  I also see where this issue isn’t dichotomous for me, it truly is a spectrum.  I also see that respect for others’ beliefs is a fundamental aspect of the formation of the United States, and made the basis of the First Amendment.

The latest divisive issue I label as health.  The COVID-19 pandemic truly divided us on a global basis.  Whether it be social distancing, masks, vaccination status, lockdowns, or science, you’ll find a sharp spirit of us versus them.

What is the impact of this divisiveness, and how does a leader address the issues in a way that draws the team together rather than apart?

I have witnessed significant impacts of this divisiveness:

• Lines are drawn and adhered to.  People don’t view things as a spectrum but view everything as dichotomous.
• People become entrenched in their viewpoint.  Critical thinking and respect seem to have disappeared.
• Relationships have been strained, and in some cases ended.  I’ve seen and heard of friendships that have been destroyed or families split.  In my opinion, this is not only sad but unnecessary.
• Jobs have disappeared.  Many people have lost their livelihoods because employers don’t respect employees’ beliefs, or they crater to pressure from others.

I encourage you to read the transcript of Brian Williams’ final broadcast from MSNBC.  I have mixed feelings about Brian Williams.  At times I’ve agreed with him, and other times have not.  I believe he hit the nail on the head in his signoff about the environment of toxicity he sees happening in our country.  You can find the video and the transcript of this at https://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/brianwilliamsmsnbcnewssignoff.htm

I have crystalized my personal beliefs because of seeing this pervasive divisiveness.  First and foremost, I believe there are very few things that are truly dichotomous.  To put it differently, there is very little black or white and a lot of gray positions in this world.  As a leader, I need to recognize this and ensure I keep an open mind and heart.

Secondly, I believe the leader should exhibit mutual respect for their followers and stakeholders (everyone, actually).  One aspect that is vital for the leader to nurture is the diversity of thought.  I need different perspectives and viewpoints to ensure that I stay on the right path.

Mutual respect allows people to agree to disagree and still achieve their mission.  As a slight deviation, one of my favorite slogans is from Combat Flipflops.  Their tagline is “be a better human.”  I love this.  You may not agree with someone, but you shouldn’t belittle or disrespect them in your response.

I recognize this post may trigger some strong feedback.  I’m okay with that.  It helps me make sure I keep an open mind and heart.  I’d love for you to share your thoughts, but I ask you to first count to five.  Let’s start unifying our own circles of influence.