“We” and “They”: Dynamics of the Idea

The idea of ​​”we” and “they” exist in any person, since people tend to relate themselves to a group to feel social security and often support. At the same time, as our readings, Michael Jackson’s music video, and my experience demonstrate, the separation of “us” and “they” can involve almost any category. Such division can occur according to race, gender, social status, lifestyle, and even belonging to a sports club or profession. Jackson (2010), in the music video “They don’t care about us,” shows another category of division into people who abuse power and ordinary people who become their victims. Thus, I understand that the study of all these categories has changed my attitude towards people’s differences and the feelings that these differences cause because their diversity can make me “ours” or “their” for any person only because of his or her attitude toward some issues.

However, this idea arose in me even before the course, when I met a boy from the Indian reservation. I have always been taught that people living on reservations are less educated, have health problems, and have cultural habits that we do not understand since they have no resources and are remote from infrastructure elements. However, the boy had a neat appearance, was friendly, and had more knowledge than I in some matters. Moreover, he was also a fan of my favorite show, which doesn’t have many fans, which surprised me. Thus, although I have always perceived the people living on the reservation as “them”, this boy and I became “us”, as we shared common interests that even my friends did not share. At the same time, although that incident did not teach me not to divide people, I often think more carefully and try not to prejudice others.

Reference

Jackson, M. (2010). Michael Jackson – They don’t care about us (prison version) (official video) [Video]. YouTube.