Craig Silliman

“So why has the increase in diversity led to more polarization? It's in part because power is zero sum, privilege is zero sum. And we know that if your power increases and mine decreases, I'll become resentful. But there's an even more important nuance involving how discussions of race and privilege interact with our identities. Psychological studies have shown time and time again that when our core identities are attacked, we actually become more entrenched in our previous beliefs, and all of our cognitive processes switch to creating a narrative that defends our identity. Not only is it nearly impossible to change our opinion, our previous view actually becomes more polarized… So is there a way of advancing diversity, inclusion, and equality in a way that doesn't create a reaction that moves us backwards as a society? I think there is. Because while power is zero sum and privilege is zero sum, understanding is not zero sum.”