I would definitely agree. In many ways it is astounding that such a superficial thing still holds so much weight in society, and how often the issue of race in politics (while presented in coded ridiculous ways, i.e the birthers controversy) influences the way our politicians act in society.
IMO it boils down to a matter of perspective. Like in the Cultural Revolution of China, you can divide people that look the same and have the same culture simply over the profession of their parents. Children against parents, even. You can divide people over the blocks they live on. But, the moment we are invaded by aliens, we share a powerful unifying perspective. I personally believe (as I think you allude to below) that our politics, institutions and other power structures, have grown to depend upon (or started that way) institutionalized perspectives of division, and that they perpetuate these perspectives to their advantage by supporting whatever feeds them. I believe this is done with good intentions, bad intentions, and ambivalence. I also believe it is done both purposefully, unintentionally, and without reflection. IMHO that's how so many seem to be able to cast aside these assumptions when interacting one-on-one, but cannot make the leap and approach greater society in the same way. We are trained, and we train each other. Who would create the notion of a 40 hour work week de novo?! I strongly believe that when we focus upon our intellect, creativity, achievements, wonder, and our bittersweet human condition, we undermine perspectives of division, in favor of these powerful unifying perspectives that resonate within us all.
So well said! If we look at more homogenous countries similar debates are still being had, though they are over class or religion or ethnic group interactions. It is amazing how our need to catalogue and separate people into the "other" is constantly reapplied thought societies worldwide with various parameters. Focusing on what connects humans would make differences more superficial.
Yes, but it almost always comes from those that want power or are trying to keep it. So I think there is hope. We should be better at identifying it, and squashing it by now. :( Everyone that divides is selling something.It is amazing how our need to catalogue and separate people into the "other" is constantly reapplied thought societies worldwide with various parameters.