Fear of differences Psychology today

Have you ever wondered why the scene of a child born at birth is wearing a dress that makes adults uncomfortable? Or why the new family in the city that does not attend religious services in a small society is noticeable to its residents? Or even why can two women participate in an intimate embrace outside a restaurant of inspiration for hate words and malignant stars from those who pass?

Humans are not just biological creatures. We make the meaning. We contract common identities through political affiliation, religion, sexual roles, ethnic groups, and cultural traditions. These social structures provide structure, prediction, and common sense of belonging. They answer the global question about “Who am I about others?” , Which helps to form our individual understanding of our identities. Our nervous systems are wirelessly to communicate, so these accounts that we created and the social structures that accompanied it become a synonym for safety (Baumeister & Leary, 1995).

However, it is necessary for us to realize that these structures are not global facts; They are simply agreements that have evolved over time. And when someone lives outside these agreements, whether by questioning religion and expressing the marginalized Sexual orientation or Sexual identityOr belonging to a group of racism of minority, it leads to discomfort between the majority. Psychologically, these extremist values ​​appear to be disrupted as if it were the social system of those who invest in the “way in which things are.” These differences are explained as a threat, not because they are actually threatening, but simply because of what they symbolize: the possibility that the rules we live in are not fixed or absolute.

Why do extremist values ​​feel threat

Psychologically, humans are attracted to a common sense of symmetry because it indicates the ability to predict and belong. Research shows that uncertainty often provokes anxiety Defense reactions when exposed (Hogg, 2007). When societies face diversity, the response is often responded in FearfulIf someone can move outside the rules, the entire structure may collapse.

But this fear confuses stability with hardness. Stability has been found in society’s ability to adapt, and not to reject change.

Diversity as a power, not a threat

Experimental research constantly shows that diversity between groups leads to the best decision makingmore innovationThe ability to adapt more effectively to meet the challenges.

Experimental research constantly shows that various groups make better decisions, more innovation, and more effectively adapt to the challenges (Philips, 2014). What might initially feel like a rift in the basis of social life is actually enhancing. Those societies that adopt the difference do not lose them identity; They are able to improve, deepen and become more flexible.

In order to develop and embrace diversity, it is necessary for society to sit with the discomfort that arises when the previously accepted structures are disabled: to admit the reflection to defend “natural”, but then move to thinking about the deeper repercussions of “What do we fear to lose?” They are safety, which was built on exclusion, fragile. Safety, built on inclusion, is much more expanding.

Facing our discomfort

If the ultimate goal is actually stronger and healthier societies, then we must be ready to face the inconvenience of change. Only by experimenting with these reflexive concerns and proving us to the similarity that we are really able to move towards original safety.

The differences do not create chaos. It creates the opportunity to grow. The threat of chaos has always existed and will always be. However, our willingness to embrace those who live outside the boundaries of socially accepted standards provides a unique opportunity to enhance our collective strength.

We must then practice self -thinking, as well as challenging those who publish accounts that stimulate fear that the differences are dangerous, in order to benefit from all members of our societies. Creating platforms is based on more marginalized stigma not only dangerous for those affected by these wrong novels, but also threatens our ability to enhance our societies.