Do human beings focus more on the qualities that separate us or those that unite

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   Born2care2001posted 11 years ago

   Do human beings focus more on the qualities that separate us or those that unite us?
   
   If you read, listen to or watch the news, participate in politics or other like activities it seems as though the buzz is always about what separates us. I would like your opinion on the subject.
   
   

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   rickyliceaposted 11 years ago

   Their differences, look at all the organizations based on differences, e.g. ideologies, religion, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, nationality, hobbies, music, etc.
   
   The only groups that focus more on uniting us are some religions, and I guess the U.N.

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      Born2care2001posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks ricklicea!
      And even those you mention have an agenda which sometimes becomes exclusive. I appreciate your answer.

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   Lucky Catsposted 11 years ago

   It sure does seem so, doesn't it? Particularly Western Hemisphere; we appear to focus primarily on the negative.  "If it bleeds...it leads." A credo, it seems, for so much of what we see on any news source available.  Sadly; the huge majority of what is offered leans towards the negative.   I believe this is fear motivated; something "we" don't understand or a belief system / race, ethnicity, (as rickylicea says), ideologies, life styles  that are different than "ours."  "Birds of a feather fly together."  For the most part, throughout history and now, this  little phrase describes the way in which living beings behave.  If we are unaccustomed to or not a "part" of  that which we confront; we act in several ways...one of which is to fear..and this causes the negativity, focus on the difference rather than seeing similarities.....Some cultures are less so, I beieve;  or, perhaps, more tolerant but still hold a feeling of being separate.  The news media feeds on this.  It foments "excitement" or a sense of being "alert," which has been stimulated by our most base fears....   Or Not.

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      Born2care2001posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks Lucky Cats! I agree and until I find a higher species I think I'll choose to fly with the flock of humans even though I'm aware of the carnivores chomping on my tail feathers! I'll just keep flapping!(Chuckle)

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   flashmakeitposted 11 years ago

   I believe that news reporters expose wrong and do not have the ability to improve the world because they state facts which are usually negative.  I think the thing that unites people is sharing a common interest because if people have the same interest that usually unites them to share ideas like fishing.

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      Born2care2001posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you for your answer, flashmakeit. I wonder, can news reporters, or politicians or people choose to focus on news without negativity? What impact would that have on improving our world?

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      flashmakeitposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      You got that right if they did focus on innovations people could learn things and help improve the world.

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   Garifaliaposted 11 years ago

   I agree that we should focus more on what unites us. It's the 'ego' [in Greek it means  'I'] that keeps the better behaviour lagging behind. Reporters' sensationalism is also to blame. The truth is that in everything that separates us there are similarities.
   e.g. Greeks-Turks : both religious and family oriented
          Greeks-Texans: very proud of their heritage etc.
   
   in case you're wondering why Texans, well I grew up in Houston.

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      Born2care2001posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you Garifalia!
      I always wondered why one of the most populated states in the country was called the "Lone Star" state!
      Great points here too!

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   danielabramposted 11 years ago

   Depends if you are a pessimist or an optimist. Given the vitriol seen in Washington, the answer may be that humans focus on the qualities that separate us. However, during 9/11, Americans put their difference aside and focused on what unites us as a nation.

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