Mar 21: The Fragile Threads of "Us"

 At one time the USA thought of itself as a melting pot of peoples and cultures.  As communities of immigrants passed through Ellis Island in New Your Harbor, they first collected together in communities of folks like them, creating enclaves like Little Italy or Chinatown, among many others.  Some cities embraced the preponderance of certain immigrant populations, like Boston did with the Irish who settled there.  In time the newcomers learned English and embraced the American Way to some extent, learning to live in a way that was new to them.  But now, many generations later, a new culture exists that (should) embrace all as Americans in a country rich with variety of natural environments, regional personalities, and a blended national identity.

I suppose I am reacting to the discussion this past Friday where the BQ group was less philosophical and more political in its assessment of the "turbulent times" we find ourselves in.  As I thought about developing a topic that is related to this ongoing disturbance I imagined the program outlined below.  People are anxious and want to find a way to connect to people who are also anxious in the same way.  By doing so they seek solidarity and possibly unity, at least in the way they perceive the world as it changes, and by gathering together are made to feel heard, recognized for the angst they feel, and made hopeful by joining a group like this and talking about it.  

My admonition to the group for our next meeting is, don't get political when we discuss this.  Stand back from the edge for the evening, and think about the items I've listed in the discussion topics below in terms of other groups that have given you a sense of belonging.  Wear your favorite sports jersey, for example, and think about how much you like your team.  Think about the warm fuzzies you get when on retreat with your other groups.  Maybe social action is your passion.  Wherever your happy, supported place is, go there in your mind and use that point of perception to inform your responses to our topic tonight.

I have used Copilot AI to help me develop this program, but I will admit I have modified it much more than I typically do.  I hope you get a chance to read this over before our meeting, and can come prepared to share how you felt the times when you have been surrounded by folks that supported you and made you feel a part of what was going on.  That is the right frame of mind.

The Fragile Threads of "Us": Exploring the Limits and Possibilities of Solidarity in a Divided World

I. Introduction 

• Ask participants to share a brief personal experience where they felt a strong sense of unity or solidarity with a group. This could be anything from a sports team to a community event.

• In a world often characterized by division, the concepts of unity and solidarity seem more vital than ever. But what do these terms truly mean? And how can we foster them in a society that appears increasingly fragmented?

Define key terms:

• Unity: A state of being joined together as a whole.

• Solidarity: Unity or agreement of feeling or action, especially among individuals with a common interest; mutual support within a group.  

II. Exploring the Foundations of Solidarity

• What are the essential elements that contribute to a sense of "us"? Are shared values, common goals, or a sense of shared vulnerability most important?

• How do factors like personal identity (race, ethnicity, class, gender, etc.) influence the formation and experience of solidarity? Can these factors both strengthen and weaken solidarity?

• What are the differences between solidarity built upon shared positive goals and solidarity built upon shared negative experiences (i.e. shared opposition to something)? Are some forms of solidarity more sustainable or ethical than others?

III. The Challenges to Solidarity

• What are the primary obstacles to achieving unity and solidarity in contemporary society? Consider factors like political polarization, economic inequality, and the influence of social media.

• How does the concept of "othering" undermine solidarity? How can we challenge the tendency to create divisions between "us" and "them"?

• Can there be such a thing as "too much" solidarity? Where does healthy group cohesion end and harmful tribalism begin?

IV. Cultivating Solidarity

• What practical steps can individuals and communities take to foster greater unity and solidarity?

• How can we bridge divides and build empathy across different groups? What role does dialogue, education, and storytelling play?

• What are the roles of institutions (government, education, media, etc.) in promoting or hindering solidarity? How can these institutions be reformed to better serve the common good?

• In a globally connected world, is global solidarity possible? What are the challenges and possibilities of creating a sense of shared responsibility for humanity as a whole?

V. Conclusion

• Invite participants to share one key takeaway or insight they gained from the discussion.

• Reflect on the ongoing nature of the quest for unity and solidarity, and the importance of continued dialogue and action.

Possible Extensions:

• Explore the philosophical perspectives of thinkers who have addressed the concepts of unity and solidarity (e.g., Aristotle, Marx, Arendt, etc.).

• Discuss real-world examples of successful and unsuccessful attempts to build solidarity.

• Consider the roles of art, literature, and music in fostering a sense of shared humanity.