POLARIZATION HURTS US ALL

By Angelica Aquino

Unrest of the soul and intellectual polarization is at par with both domestic and international policies agenda setting and implementation. For the past five years, pre and post pandemics, I have observed a social polarization at the level of the soul where microaggressions are weaponized by power structures and individuals to create a chilling effect on dissent and freedom of speech. Now, the water cooler and the coffee machine have been moved to Teams (the communication tracking device). It is a great tool to help create workflows and communicate, but also it lends itself to a platform of power and control. Personal dissatisfaction and the shift to WFH and hybrid models have created a new level of digital surveillance and civic engagement to a tribal level. I have witnessed firsthand the territorial battles of working in a cross functional “holistic environment” with vulnerable populations. One vivid example is the level of professional and personal dissatisfaction of so legal, health and social services providers working together representing disfranchised and vulnerable communities. Some advocates are concerned about social justice issues and how these are used as shields not to build but to divide. The erosion of individual constitutional rights and entitlements by administrative policies and codification of rules and regulations translates into often fragmented holistic cross functional teams with competing legal, medical and social issues in very complex matters from civil law to the cross section of criminal law and procedure.

It is very alarming to see the high levels of ‘tribalism” and “classism” by those entrusted to advocate and represent the most vulnerable from unaccompanied minors to elder abuse. Such behaviors are used to attack and demean other team members and ultimately ridiculed. There ought to be more constructive and respectful conversations and common ground where we can build alliances, not resorting to bullying and disrespect. Polarization hurts us all. It is degrading and dehumanizing. This is a call to reflection, stand up and let those who in the name of “jest” mocked others with memes and nicknames. The silver lining of the “remarks in jest” is a true commitment for introspection and boundary definition. An opportunity to be the true agent of change without taking the bait of microaggressions. Communicate, organize and reflect. Our humanity is our common ground, build it up!