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The Case for Division: Why The Illusion of Unity is Not Worth Having
Do we afford too much privilege to the word ‘unity’?
A United Promise
We all know the script. Every couple of years a new political candidate will take our screens with a campaign grounded on unity and the dissolution of division. Such promises are not solely confined to politics either, it is commonplace to see this rhetoric in other walks of life, like the workplace. Talk of unity is usually met with a bout of enthusiasm and great applause.
The question we are asking today is, do we afford too much privilege to the term ‘unity’? By constantly demeaning and advising against division and disagreement, are we undermining the crucial role division has played in providing a means for human advancement?
Before we begin, some nuance is needed. Few would argue against the necessity of some degree of unity in various walks of life. Likewise, there should be little advocacy for full-on division. Like most areas in life, this is far from a black or white question.
The Politics of Unity
Lauded as one of the most gifted orators to ever take the White House, Barack Obama has consistently used the message of unity to please crowds and win-over impassioned…
