Human beings generally distinguish between people who are similar to themselves (“us”) and people who are different from themselves (“them”). Once the distinction between “us” and “them” takes root, many additional distinctions begin to grow.
| Us | Them |
|---|---|
| Good | Bad |
| Moral | Immoral |
| Reasonable | Unreasonable |
| Wise | Foolish |
| Forgivable | Unforgivable |
| Caring | Indifferent |
| Compassionate | Aggressive |
| Cooperative | Disruptive |
| Helpful | Harmful |
| Pure | Impure |
| Attractive | Disgusting |
| Loving | Hateful |
Such distinctions motivate compassion and care towards people who are “one of us” but motivate aggression and indifference towards people who are “one of them.” Such distinctions evoke admiration and forgiveness for people who are “one of us” but evoke disgust and vengeance towards people who are “one of them.” Such distinctions become evil when they unleash a belief that it is acceptable—or even a good thing—to harm people who are “one of them.”
I do my best to resist and oppose us-them mindsets.
If someone points out that I am caught up in an us-them mindset, then I will stop and reflect on how I became caught up in it. I will ask forgiveness and try to make amends to anyone I may have harmed. I will restore my mind and return to upholding my ethical and spiritual commitments.
When I oppose us-them mentalities, some people may accuse me of siding with “them” instead of “us.” They may consider me a traitor. They may criticize or ridicule me. They may punish me. They may ostracize me. I willingly accept these outcomes for the benefit of everyone in the category of “us” and for the benefit of everyone in the category of “them.”