Are we so divided by our beliefs, biases, ideologies, and loyalties that we no longer value our diversity or find commonality with our fellow citizens? If so, we are treading on a dangerous path. When diversity is no longer valued, adversity follows. Adversity leads to division and division leads to conflict. Conflict leads to hatred, which if not managed can lead to revolution and the potential collapse of a civilization as has happened to twenty-one civilizations before us. The alarming news is that based on current trends the near future may present major disruptions to the security and lifestyle we experience today. Will we continue to be the United States of America, a Divided States of America, or be taken over by a more untied society and culture? How do we bridge this ever-widening gap?
Today we are divided by an increasing number of subgroups, each focused on their own agendas, beliefs and “tribal loyalties”. Enabled by social media, the greatest risk that we face today is that our differences and resulting division have become politicized like never before, resulting in a lack of collaborative action in solving the societies’ challenges. Each social group and political party look at the other as the enemy without any effort to collaborate for the good of the broader society. The increasing single-minded pursuit of partisan interests versus the pursuit of a common shared vision and values that drive and support a unified society is a major cause of our current situation. This division has disrupted basic society structures, practices , and relationships down to the family and individual levels.
The author is a behavioral psychologist with over 45 years of international experience in organizational design and group dynamics from new startups to cultural change efforts of many of the fortune 400 companies. He has dedicated his career to studying and applying the psychological and sociological principles that create high-performing, unified groups. Now, he is applying these proven principles to our most significant challenge: bridging the gap between unity and societal division that we are experiencing today.
Unity and division are based on responses to the dynamics between people and their environment. These elements must then be supported by an environment that drives the desired objectives and behaviors and a populace capable of employing self-awareness, critical thinking , and resilience: skill largely lacking today. To be successful, individual aspirations, groups, and societies must be formed and maintained based on an inspiring common vision, a compelling mission, and shared values.
In this book, What Unites Us Divides US, you will be taking a deep dive into the historical, psychological and social dynamics of “us vs. them.” Through the lens of group dynamics and human history the book will provide a roadmap for rebuilding common ground in an increasingly fractured world by empowering individuals, social groups, and societies to rebuild a foundation to bridge the ever-widening gap between them. Ultimately, the book serves as both an educational resource and a call to action for fostering cultural change.
Once you have completed your journey and deep dive into What Unites Us-Divides Us, you will be more aware of the causes and effects of unity and division than most of the population. This will not only help you to understand the challenging cultural environment you are living in today but also how your personal approaches and responses to conflict and diversity can lead to more unified personal relationships and less division. All lasting change must start at the individual level. Let this be the day you begin the journey of helping to Bridge the Great Divide.