Tribal Bias: Everyone (Else) Sucks
Do you think that I’m a Democrat? Do you think that I’m a Republican? More importantly; is your opinion of my character affected by your assumptions about my political preferences?
I post an awesome book by Michelle Obama, and Republicans have a problem with it. I share an inspiring biography of Ronald Reagan, and Democrats have a problem with it.
Fox News said that President Obama was an ill-intentioned shyster, looking to tear the heart of our country out and replace it with communism.
CNN said that Bush was an idiot capitalist who hated poor people and loved war.
It seems like everyone demonizes everyone. It’s called tribal bias. Essentially, unless we prioritize growing and taking control of our mindset, we will naturally feel like anyone who is not like us is the enemy.
NEWS FLASH: Republicans do want to help poor people and Democrats love babies. Yes, depending on the news cycle there are hot-button issues where people are on separate ends of the spectrum...but usually everyone in the scenario is totally misunderstanding the other side. Even the geniuses in the media and in Congress. We tend to misunderstand the philosophy and intentions behind the “opposition’s” political (and religious, career, financial, etc) preferences. Probably because we are too busy daydreaming up our own story about what others think, feel, and care about.
I post many of the books I read on social media, and it’s been super interesting to see people’s reactions. Some people assume that if I post a video, book, or quote from someone that I’m giving my overarching-papal-blessing on every freaking thing the person has said or done. To be clear: I’m not. If I can get some great value out of someone’s book and I have no reason to believe they’re an evil-intentioned person, I’m all good. I don’t need someone to agree with me. I don’t even need someone to agree with me on 50% of my worldview.
I wonder how many great friendships and partnerships have never happened because of our tribal bias. There are some cool people out there that you can learn from...maybe we should stop demonizing each other so easily?
