Polarized protest against problems

Polarization of thinking

Nature

At a certain stage in the evolution of recognition of a problem and of the articulation of protest against those perceived as reinforcing it, extreme forms of polarization become counter-productive. Such polarization makes it impossible for any middle ground or alternative to be explored through which movement beyond the problem can be opened up.

Incidence

Examples can be seen in the anti-apartheid movement in which any not in favour of sanctions are perceived as being pro-apartheid. Similar examples occur in the protest against nuclear power, armaments, multinational corporations, communism, capitalism and abortion.

Claim

Restructuring human institutions is impeded by the tendency of human beings to think in terms of polar opposites: either we win or they win; a statement is true or false; an ideal is right or wrong. The tendency to divide reality in this way is found in all cultures and may bve rooted in the brain.