The Dark Side
3. When Opposites Attract… Trouble
Of course, polarity isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. When taken to extremes, it can lead to conflict, division, and all sorts of unpleasantness. Think about political polarization. When people become so entrenched in their own viewpoints that they refuse to even consider the other side, dialogue breaks down and progress becomes impossible. It can lead to bitterness.
In relationships, unchecked polarity can be toxic. If one partner is always dominant and the other always submissive, resentment can build up over time. Or if couples are constantly bickering and never finding common ground, the relationship can become strained and ultimately unsustainable. Balance is key.
Consider how businesses can be affected by internal polarity. If sales and marketing are constantly at odds, with sales complaining about marketing’s lack of leads and marketing complaining about sales’ inability to close deals, the entire company suffers. The lack of teamwork can stall all growth.
The ‘us vs. them’ mentality is a classic example of negative polarity. Whether it’s based on race, religion, nationality, or even just sports team affiliation, this kind of thinking can lead to prejudice, discrimination, and even violence. It’s a dangerous trap to fall into, and one that requires conscious effort to overcome. The ‘us vs them’ mentality should never override common sense.