The "In" Group of Humanity

Some organizations, institutions, and individuals believe that certain people are more valuable than others based on their skin color, gender, religious/spiritual beliefs, etc. This belief leads to the creation of an “in” group and an “out” group and is often motivated by a desire to imbue the chosen group with power.

For example, this belief contributed to the atrocities of the Holocaust. In group = Germans. Out group = Jews. This belief also contributed to the creation of a legally enforced system in which people were the property of others. In group = Caucasians. Out group = Africans. The list goes on. Straight over gay, men over women (especially in other parts of the world), wealthy over poor, etc.

When an individual or group of people feel superior to others, especially when this feeling of superiority is justified by the teachings and influence of powerful institutions like organized religion, the government, the media, etc., a tremendous amount of suffering is created for everyone involved. This polarizing belief system fuels the illusion that we are separate from one another and creates a destructive hierarchy that establishes who is in power (“in” group) and who is disempowered (“out” group).

One of the main reasons people are susceptible to believing this fear-based teaching about who is valuable and who is not, is that many individuals have a core belief that they are not good enough, and not worthy, to varying degrees. Since this sense of not being good enough is so prevalent, when we are told that we are more special than others, a fearful and insecure part of us (ego) feels some relief from the suffering caused by our belief that we are not worthy or lovable. The ego grasps onto this false teaching about superiority as a means to feel redeemed and worthy. The ego also attaches to this belief about being “better than" because it imbues that person with a false sense of power over others. Sadly, some individuals and groups use this power in ways that create pain and suffering for those who are not in the "in" group.

The truth is that we are all equally valuable because we exist and because we are human. There is not an “in” group and “out” group. There is only an “in” group...it's the "in" group of humanity and YOU are in it! A person’s ethnicity, sexual identity, religious and/or spiritual beliefs, income, etc. does not affect his/her innate worthiness. Understanding this truth about our worth shines a light on the mistaken teaching that some of us are more valuable than others, and also honors the universal right for all people to be treated equally.