Factions

 In this section, I’d like to briefly discuss the proclivity of humans in general, and specifically myself, to pick sides, choose to be part of a team, and to become part of a group that rivals another group. I think this topic is particularly interesting and worthy of discussion because group identity, in my opinion, plays a large role in one’s social identity. So, by discussing the formation of these factions, as well as the underlying personality traits that contribute to one’s choice of factions, whether it be political alignment, or choosing one’s role models, we can perhaps achieve a greater understanding of our society, by first understanding what underlies it.

My earliest memory of myself becoming aware of the idea of a faction was back in elementary school, in my second grade class. Our teacher, in good humor, would often bring up the idea of boys vs girls, as well as certain harmless stereotypes. For instance, I remember ideas along the lines of “Justin Bieber comes in, and all the girls go crazy” (ok this was back at the beginning of the decade) and “Girls rule, boys drool”. I have nothing against my second grade teacher and formed fond memories in his class, by the way.

Nonetheless, as far as I can recall, these statements, which were new ideas striking my ears, evoked a sense of mild offense within me (especially at the “Girls rule, boys drool” one). But, what I remember is that, instead of questioning the idea of such a preposterous and wide claim, (though, I repeat, it was likely said in good humor, not with intent to offend), I felt the need to defend the idea that boys, in fact, drool, perhaps because I felt that my participation in that group necessitated respect of it, as well as prompted defense of its dignity. At this point, I feel I had begun to recognize that in addition to my self-identity, I also had a separate identity. I was not only myself, but also a “boy”, which instilled a sense of competitiveness against the other group of “girls”. Boy vs girl tag was also not uncommon, and in subsequent grades, I found myself taking any derogatory or negative statement towards my group, the boys, with a slight sense of personal offense, such as “Boys in the back”, which I recall to be a common disciplinatory calling out to rowdy student, though it was not used ungratuitously.

As I grew, and moved on to subsequent grades, I found myself identifying with new groups, and achieving new group identities. I felt, throughout my past years, part of the groups belonging to not only boys, but also swimmers, Indians, and hard workers (I know this may come across as arrogant).

One recent recollection of a particularly strong group identity I once held was with the followers of conservative commentator Ben Shapiro. I don’t know what drew me to him at first, whether it was his intelligence, debating skills, charisma, ability to stand up to challenge and defend it robustly with facts, or just an inexplicable part of his character apart from ideology that appealed to me. However, I noticed an interesting outcome evolve from my “fanhood” of his: I took any offense to Ben Shapiro as an insult to myself as well, just as I had once taken mild offense at my second grade teacher’s lighthearted remark. This offense often alternated with anger, and a substantially greater response to opposing political ideas, as compared to ideas that I felt would be supported by Shapiro. I now feel that this sensitivity was a consequence of indulging in the entertaining, but at times polarizing and inconciliatory behavior that Shaprio exhibits, understandably I suppose, for his fanbase, and maintaining his popularity. I also feel that putting ideology aside, I had quicker arrived at the conclusion that ideology wouldn’t comprise such a large part of one’s self-identity in a normal person, and, at a personal level, personal disagreement should not merit attacks on other people induced by their beliefs, in the way that I had lashed out on a colleague’s blog post.

I feel, now, that I can still lead a satisfying, and relatively unimpeded life, regardless of what ideology I hold. However, if I allow my ideology lead to actions that impede my reputation or diminish the quality of my life, then I am doing something wrong. All in all, assessment of the importance of such group identity is important, in my opinion, and can lead to a dangerous life, rife with resentment and unsettled anger. (It would be more, I suppose, for those who feel that ideology affects their lives in graver ways--such as making the difference of whether one’s relatives can move to another country seeking a better life, or when it comes to basic human rights and education).