US VS. THEM IS BULLSH*T.​

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We all know there are big problems in the world. But instead of finding solutions, society seems to just be getting more and more polarized. 

 

It’s natural to dismiss or even villainize the “other side,” especially when we can clearly see the flaws in the way they think. Us vs. Them is human instinct.

 

But where does that lead us? If the “other side” is full of villains, we must overpower and try to defeat them... again and again. 

 

Before we know it, we’re spending most of our energy fighting and have little energy left to solve the problems that started it all.

 

To most people, this cycle seems like just the way of the world. 

 

However…

 

THERE IS ANOTHER WAY

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There is a growing number of people who are discovering a different way of seeing things.

 

More and more, people are realizing it’s possible to see "them" not as evil people who must be overpowered, but as humans who are just trying their best to meet their needs.

 

As we practice seeing others that way–even those who are causing harm– we’re able to start to find better ways for everyone to get what they need, without hurting each other. 

 

There’s a whole world of possibility waiting to be discovered beyond the “us vs. them” way of thinking. Opponents can be transformed into unlikely allies, working together to solve our shared problems.   

 

OUR BELIEFS

 

• We believe humans are always just trying to meet their needs... needs we ALL share. 

• We believe humans are always trying their best to meet those needs, given their history, present circumstances, and current resources.

• We believe there are no bad people, only hurting people who need help.

• We believe we can find better solutions when we’re able to humanize each other. 

• We believe in defeating our shared problems, not each other.

 

WHy does it matter?

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Imagine living in a culture where conflict is seen as an opportunity for positive growth, without being afraid that your perspective will be overpowered or lost. 

 

Imagine what’s possible when we learn to humanize our own mistakes and the harm we have caused, and extend that compassion and understanding to the others who are making mistakes and causing harm.

 

Imagine the incredible progress we could make if, instead of spending all our energy on defeating those we see as our opponents, we could use that energy to work together to make a better life for all of us

 

IF WE CAN IMAGINE IT, WE CAN CREATE IT  

 

This is no easy task. It’s easy to get overwhelmed looking at the division in the world and in our own communities. It’s even easy to contribute to that division and polarization by focusing on the worst aspects of the “others.” 

 

But there’s hope.

 

We believe not only is it possible to learn to live beyond “us vs. them” thinking, it’s something that can get easier as we practice seeing the humanity (the good AND the bad parts) we all share. 

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Luckily, there is no end of opportunities to practice.

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START SMALL, GET STRONGER

 

We can practice every day, with every interaction. 

 

We can start small; every time we scroll on social media, hear a juicy story about someone we know, or notice when we tend to “other” our loved ones. 

 

We can build our capacity for offering compassion and grace to people in our wider circles, like our workplace or neighborhood and beyond.

 

We can even practice without anyone else around, by noticing the ways we create the “us vs. them” way of thinking internally. What parts of our own selves do we tend to villainize and try to overpower?    

 

Each time we practice in small situations, it’s like exercising a muscle. Over time, as we get stronger, we start to recognize the humanity in even the most challenging, hurtful people. 

 

WE CAN DO IT TOGETHER

 

This is a lifelong practice, but possibly one of the most important and transformative things we can choose to do for ourselves, the people we care about, and our future generations. 

 

We’re here to cheer you on with this practice. We’re here to offer reminders and suggestions along the way. We’re also here to struggle and learn alongside you. It turns out there are inspiring people throughout history who have come to realize there is a beautiful alternative to “us vs. them” thinking and these early pioneers left us poetry, essays, and research into this new way of seeing.

 

We are excited to join forces with you in making the world a more peaceful place, bit by bit.