The Camaraderie of Polarization

Souls at the Poles

Polarization: A Breeding Ground

If one dwells in a polar region, do the residents all agree on everything? No, of course not. But with common extremes to focus on, people tend to get along, whether it be discussing freezing temps and snow levels, northern lights or southern constellations, polar bears or penguins.

As long as we stick with a subject we have in common, there is often unity, agreement, or a simple peace of sorts. But throw in a topic with teeth, say the solution to a polar bear or penguin problem, and watch the snarling begin. Someone must cave about something to remain in polarized camaraderie.

Polarization breeds the potential of a new form of silence or threat of isolation, not true camaraderie.

Polarization imposes an extreme that we must focus on exclusively or lose our tribe - if we won’t change with the tribe when the tribe changes. If we dare question a shift in what intially brought us together, the “we” falls apart.

This doesn't mean we can't have beliefs we hold firmly to and enjoy group dynamics, yet it comes with a but and an if.

But let us hold those beliefs (not throw them as weapons) if it is safe to do so in that group. If we must utterly silence our beliefs (not simply avoid talking about it in certain settings) to remain in a polarized community, we are in bondage not fellowship. Some communities ask too much, so we must either adjust our beliefs, silence our souls, or consider a new community.

For example, many are frightened to admit that on some issues they agree with their political opponents. Polarization demands they remain silent, loyal to their pole, even if their pole shifts away from its origin.

“Southern penguins must not meet northern polar bears. Stay on your side of the equator.”

Rooted without Pressure

In a free country, however, one should have the option to speak freely on issues and proposed solutions, untethered to a red or blue striped pole.

If we are firmly rooted in our beliefs, and they happen to align to a pole - without pressure to externally conform - then we can cling to the pole with integrity, while allowing others the freedom to cling to theirs.

Losing the Veil of Camaraderie

If we find ourselves saying, however, “I'm voting this way because of this one issue” and we’re not allowed to disagree on any other piece of the platform, policy, or political persona, there's a polarization problem. They've hijacked our souls with our own fears of abandonment.

It is a realistic worry: if we break protocol with the party, we lose the veil of camaraderie.

And what feels worse than losing our conscience? Losing our friends. Our partners. Our companions.

Yet, what is worse than losing our people? Losing ourselves.

Vote your conscience at the poll.
It’s your right. It’s your freedom.
It’s your soul. And it’s your vote.