Us vs Them Paradigm

Us vs Them Paradigm

If you take the time to step back for a moment, you will see that we are surround with subliminal programming to turn us on one another.

I believe that there is an effort to keep our societies, in all countries, divided as the citizens. An effort to keep us at war with one another on a multitude of levels. We are generalized into groups by either our race, sex, or the many "choices" that we make on a daily basis.

I am sure that this concept is not a new idea to many of you that are reading this but I just wanted to compose my thoughts on the topic into a thread to get a better look at how we are split into tribes.

Sports

All across America there are professional stadiums and arenas that can hold thousands of people. Then you have the college stadiums, then the semi-pro arenas, then all the way down to your local high school or little league field. Every town in America has some sort of affiliation with a sporting team on some level. America's popular sports are NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL.(Note: I referred to the separate sporting leagues as their corporations to show that all teams affiliated with said league or controlled by the boards of those corporations.) Now there are plenty of other sports that people prefer but that is not the issue.

When you attend a sporting event, it is always one side versus the other. You will have a group of organized people, donning their teams apparel and colors, chanting for the players of their teams, and occasionally doing bizarre rituals for their team's success. But when you look across the field, you have the other teams fans doing the same thing. How many people do you know personally that are die hard fans of a certain team, to the point where they hold it against others for not sharing the same point of view? I would say that is the majority of sports fans. I believe that watching sports isn't even about watching the game anymore but it is about being on the winning team….at least feeling like you are winning.

Rival Companies

There are always commercials on television or the radio advertising for a certain company but at the same time advertising their rival as well. Who would spend millions on television ad marketing to advertise their competition? Maybe we need to take a deeper look at some of the main stock holders of these companies and see how many fingers in how many pies.



I imagine that many people remember in the late 90's, maybe even earlier, that Coke and Pepsi would share commercials. The Pepsi Challenge for instance and the practice continues to this day with ridiculous commercials that show a delivery man from each company, competing with one another by trying to out do the other with their products display. Still to this day, I wonder what Snoop Dog was thinking.

It isn't just the soda and cell phone companies either, it is the laundry soaps, paper towels, cars, etc, etc. But we have to ask ourselves, "Are these companies really different?" The answer is NO but we don't want to believe it so we will continue to buy Pepsi over Coke and to claim one is better.

Politics - Democrats vs Republicans

Now I believe that everyone can agree that this is probably the most obvious example of Rivalry and Tribalism. This is disgustingly obvious anytime someone starts a thread on ATS about anything remotely close to being politically related. The majority of people in our society will blindly and faithfully follow a party line and not know a single thing about that candidate. People that are loyal to single party will be the hardest to convince to listen to the oppositions thoughts or policies. When in the middle of national crisis, the finger will always being pointed to the opposite party, who in their minds is always below them. How many of you are honestly in the middle or do not care? Most will take the side on or the other and then battle the opposition… even if they are like minded and trying to reach the same end goal.

Religion

Another obvious tool used to divide the people of nations, to put them at never ending wars with one another. A tool to keep them busy from asking the important questions. For thousands of years in our recorded history on Earth, we have thousands of incidents were there was violence caused in the name of religion. Some may say that it has been a key factor in the reason that Western nations are at war in the Middle East.

Nationality and Race

This type of tribe people are involuntarily born into but many accept it and carry out as a part of the tribe for their whole lives. Believing that their country, state, county, or town is better than any other. Some may say that there is nothing wrong with being proud of where you are from and I can agree to a point but to judge a whole group simply from where they are from is illogical….yet we find ourselves instinctively judging others by that criteria.

The same goes for race. We are born into it and we bound with our fellow citizens but some may feel distinct and threatened by one of another race. Stereotypes are formed and beliefs, from hearsay rather than experience, are turned into some's reality causing a division among the people in their community. This is nothing new.

Summary

I could have gone into some deeper details that outline a hidden agenda by the elite 0.5% to keep us at war with each other, the information is out there, but that is for you to find yourself.
I know that there is a lot of other example of Designed Rivalry and Tribalism and I hope that others will help add to the list. I hope that this thread can maybe help some see that we, the average citizen, are like a Rooster in a Cock fight…we are being put up against each other for the profit and amusement of external forces. We need to recognize that we are one species that have common dreams and goals. We need to learn to stop participating in the division of our society but to unite and eliminate the forces that try to oppress and control our lives.

Very well written essay on Us vs Them mentality.

I think you might be missing something pretty obvious to most people though. Humans are animals.

We are born to fight one another for resources. We are fortunate to live in a relatively calm society of wealthy spoiled animals well fed and mostly docile. That is not the natural order of things historically speaking however.

Going back to the hunter gatherers you see that clans formed to support their group from invasion and famine. By pooling their resources and cooperating as a group they could weather storms or famine longer. They were also able to protect their assets/crops from the lazy idiots next door who had not figured out fertilization or companion planting.

It always came down to a battle between two factions. There would be one who prospered and one that did not and the have nots would generally invade the haves. Story of our lives.

Such is the case with animals.

reply to post by onecraftydude


I completely agree with you, onecraftydude, but I feel that we, humans, have evolved past the stage where the instinctual need to form a tribe is no more so we are subjected to other forms to continue us to divide and fight amongst ourselves, a single species.

But I do agree that this is a natural occurring process in the animal kingdom.

reply to post by onecraftydude

Sorry, I am not an animal. I question my own existence almost daily. You should try it, it is good for the soul.

Originally posted by imnotanother
I completely agree with you, onecraftydude, but I feel that we, humans, have evolved past the stage where the instinctual need to form a tribe is no more so we are subjected to other forms to continue us to divide and fight amongst ourselves, a single species.

But I do agree that this is a natural occurring process in the animal kingdom.

But have we evolved past forming groups and competing for resources?

I see no evidence that we have and plentiful evidence that we have not not. People form families, work in distinct businesses and live in competing nation states. Competition is a fact of life and it is natural.

I know one thing. If it were a choice between feeding my son and feeding you, there would be no dilemma in my mind. Sorry old chap - you would go hungry.

Originally posted by ollncasino

Originally posted by imnotanother
I completely agree with you, onecraftydude, but I feel that we, humans, have evolved past the stage where the instinctual need to form a tribe is no more so we are subjected to other forms to continue us to divide and fight amongst ourselves, a single species.

But I do agree that this is a natural occurring process in the animal kingdom.

But have we evolved past forming groups and competing for resources?

I see no evidence that we have and plentiful evidence that we have not not. People form families, work in distinct businesses and live in competing nation states. Competition is a fact of life and it is natural.

I know one thing. If it were a choice between feeding my son and feeding you, there would be no dilemma in my mind. Sorry old chap - you would go hungry.

I disagree that competition is a fact of life. Competition exist because of greed and greed exist of division and division is the result of forming tribes.

I see your point of competition of resources but at the same time disagree to it as well. I believe that there are numerous of suppressed technologies or elements that could replace our dependence on nonrenewable resources. The reason these technologies are still unheard of in the global scope is because of the geo-politcal affect that it would have on the world and who currently runs it.

You are right, there is no evidence that we have evolved to the point where we don't form tribes....but the reason of my OP is to help show people that we are ready and there is every day, subliminal programming trying to keep us in that mindset.

Originally posted by imnotanother
I disagree that competition is a fact of life. Competition exist because of greed and greed exist of division and division is the result of forming tribes.

I disagree with your disagreement.

Competition has served mankind in too many positive ways. 1. Competition kept my genes alive by out competing the Jone's the next cave or hut over. 2. Competition drives innovation which provides a higher standard of living.

We may not need to be so competitive in our present world but it's still a valuable asset to have in survival situation where ALL the marbles are at stake.

Originally posted by SLAYER69

Originally posted by imnotanother
I disagree that competition is a fact of life. Competition exist because of greed and greed exist of division and division is the result of forming tribes.

I disagree with your disagreement.

Competition has served mankind in too many positive ways. 1. Competition kept my genes alive by out competing the Jone's the next cave or hut over. 2. Competition drives innovation which provides a higher standard of living.

We may not need to be so competitive in our present world but it's still a valuable asset to have in survival situation where ALL the marbles are at stake.

edit on 11-9-2012 by SLAYER69 because: (no reason given)

1. You literally had to compete with the Jones that lived a hut over? Compete how? Or are you trying to talking about your ancestors. The OP is referencing the modern times not the lifestyle from yesteryear.
2. I wouldn't say that competition leads to innovation. Evolution leads to innovation. Trial and Error then Correction leads to innovation. Philosophy leads to innovation.

Competition is a product of greed and is parallel with envy and both come from division (One is better than the Other) and division occurs because of tribalism.

Originally posted by imnotanother
1. You literally had to compete with the Jones that lived a hut over? Compete how? Or are you trying to talking about your ancestors.

I was kind of hoping you'd pick up on that angle

The OP is referencing the modern times not the lifestyle from yesteryear.

I guess you overlooked this part of my reply? I can't imagine how. You even quoted it in your reply...

We may not need to be so competitive in our present world but it's still a valuable asset to have in survival situation where ALL the marbles are at stake.

2. I wouldn't say that competition leads to innovation.

Why not?

Evolution leads to innovation.

So all our modern electronics evolved? I understand the concept but. Two competing companies strive to one up the Competition through innovation. Sports teams Compete and not always for profit but for the strive to be better or best. Ego has a lot to do with that.

Trial and Error then Correction leads to innovation.

Sometimes

Philosophy leads to innovation.

Philosophy didn't split the atom but the idea was originally contemplated by ancient Greek Philosophers. I'll give a .5 on that one.

Competition is a product of greed and ....

I know you've said that before.

PEACE

Originally posted by SLAYER69

Originally posted by imnotanother
1. You literally had to compete with the Jones that lived a hut over? Compete how? Or are you trying to talking about your ancestors.

I was kind of hoping you'd pick up on that angle

The OP is referencing the modern times not the lifestyle from yesteryear.

I guess you overlooked this part of my reply? I can't imagine how. You even quoted it in your reply...

I picked up your sarcasm but you missed mine.

So all our modern electronics evolved? I understand the concept but. Two competing companies strive to one up the Competition through innovation. Sports teams Compete and not always for profit but for the strive to be better or best. Ego has a lot to do with that.

The purpose of the OP was to expose how the masses are being programmmed to separate into factions by affiliating with corporate owned products and race and nationality. Arguing that high school teams compete to be better than their peers only proves the OP.
And lets be honest, companies don't strive to be innovative. Corporations strive to make a profit and will shelf any sort of innovative product because it may hurt profits. Innovation comes from some one pushing the evolution of said topic not by competition.

On the verge of being redundant, it is because it comes from greed. Get it?

Originally posted by imnotanother
The purpose of the OP was to expose how the masses are being programmmed to separate into factions by affiliating with corporate owned products and race and nationality. Arguing that high school teams compete to be better than their peers only proves the OP.

Sportsmanship helps improve self confidence [Something many of our younger generation lack these days] Sell esteem [Another thing lacking these days]
Healthier lifestyles through better nutrition [Need I say more there? ]

Back on topic, I see and agree with some of what you're saying there.
I really do.

And lets be honest, companies don't strive to be innovative. Corporations strive to make a profit and will shelf any sort of innovative product because it may hurt profits

I worked in the PC Gaming industry for a few years a short while back I disagree with your assessment. Prime example. 3DFX the creators of the arguably first high power graphics gaming video card VOODOO series went out of business because most of their engineers sat around playing Quake while two other competing companies ATI and NVIDIA [through competing innovations] kicked 3DFX butts so bad that immediately after releasing the VOODOO 550 had to shut the doors and didn't even provide a second generation driver.

Innovation comes from some one pushing the evolution of said topic not by competition.

I'll agree that in some form that is correct but you seem to be more interested in getting a certain narrow view across rather than discussing other perspectives.

On the verge of being redundant, it is because it comes from greed. Get it?

I'm well aware of your angle.
I just think you're being a bit myopic.

Originally posted by SLAYER69

I worked in the PC Gaming industry for a few years a short while back I disagree with your assessment. Prime example. 3DFX the creators of the arguably first high power graphics gaming video card VOODOO series went out of business because most of their engineers sat around playing Quake while two other competing companies ATI and NVIDIA [through competing innovations] kicked 3DFX butts so bad that immediately after releasing the VOODOO 550 had to shut the doors and didn't even provide a second generation driver.

Did the innovation of these graphics cards come from the desire to have a better operating hardware so the creator could enjoy the gaming experience more? Or was the desire to make the card better because of the need to compete with another?

That is the point I have been trying to get across about innovation and competition not being related. Several individuals came together to work on a project to make a better graphics card and they did it for that purpose. The corporations gathered together the group (aka the tribe) so they could strive towards greed by means of profiting from what innovations this group could come up with.

I'll agree that in some form that is correct but you seem to be more interested in getting a certain narrow view across rather than discussing other perspectives.

On the verge of being redundant, it is because it comes from greed. Get it?

I'm well aware of your angle.
I just think you're being a bit myopic.

Ouch, but I see where you might feel that way because I have been trying to point out that competition is a reason to division, hate, and ignorance.

But honestly Slayer, you have been pushing a narrow view that competition is only means of innovating new techs or ideas in the world. I've been talking about tribalism, the joining of a group and rivaling with other groups and how in our modern times it is being used to keep us from coming together as a society.

Originally posted by imnotanother
Did the innovation of these graphics cards come from the desire to have a better operating hardware so the creator could enjoy the gaming experience more? Or was the desire to make the card better because of the need to compete with another?

Both

Also for profit, recognition, market share, ego, name recognition in the field etc etc etc

That is the point I have been trying to get across about innovation and competition not being related. Several individuals came together to work on a project to make a better graphics card and they did it for that purpose.

No, they didn't.

Although I see your point but it doesn't solely apply to every situation [As much as that may bother you]

The corporations gathered together the group (aka the tribe) so they could strive towards greed by means of profiting from what innovations this group could come up with.

Members often voluntarily become a team. No brain washing needed and even if they do [For argument sake] One team ATI tried to take 3DFX down from the number one spot. While team three out competed both of them by being more innovative at that time.

Ouch, but I see where you might feel that way because I have been trying to point out that competition is a reason to division, hate, and ignorance.

Don't get me wrong I'm just blunt sometimes.

But honestly Slayer, you have been pushing a narrow view that competition is only means of innovating new techs or ideas in the world.

No.

I'm using that as one example that your theory or hypothesis doesn't apply in all circumstances.

I've been talking about tribalism, the joining of a group and rivaling with other groups and how in our modern times it is being used to keep us from coming together as a society.

Again

I'm aware of your stance. Can you understand mine?

reply to post by SLAYER69


You defended the idea that competition is fact of life so yes, I do understand your point of view. But you said there were many positive results of cOmpetition but only stated the theory of survival of the fittest and innovation. I'm honestly curious to hear some of the other positive results.

But I believe your argument would be more valid if you replaced the word 'competition' with 'cooperation.'

But that is my opinion. Cooperation between individuals leads to innovation more so than competition.

Originally posted by imnotanother
reply to post by SLAYER69

 

You defended the idea that competition is fact of life so yes, I do understand your point of view. But I believe your argument would be more valid if you replaced the word 'competition' with 'cooperation.'

Ah...

I completely agree and that's my point. Sometimes, Depending on the circumstance life requires one or the other and sometimes both in order to survive and or accomplish something.

It's never been a "It must be one and not the other" argument for me

A good thread indeed.

I just wonder then who is imposing this mentality on us?

Perhaps "Them"?

So it becomes a bit circular.

If the "us versus them" mentality is always imposed, then it is imposed by another "them".
Thus by the very argument one immediately finds oneself in another implied "us" and "them" discourse.

reply to post by halfoldman


That is a good observation. Will there always be a "Them?"
I believe that if we, as the people, were to become more aware of the choices we make and how those choices categorize us into factions, then we could put an end to always competing with our fellow man.

Most people will be in denial that they subconsciously belong to a tribe-like group but it is not that simple. We all are until we open the eyes a bit wider. I am living in America, so I witness daily the defensive reactions of people when they hear that they are not the best or the smartest. How you can be instantly judged by someone when you suggest they not judge what they do not know.

Some of the above replies are in that manner. Where the OP was read but then then reply was off point. An attempt at validating an opinion of theirs in defense to the fact that they don't want to acknowledge that they too are in a tribe(s) of some sort.