This post is in response to the question "Hayek mentions how in order for a totalitarian government to rise, a "we" vs "they" contrast must arise. An example of this would be the Nazi party rising from the hatred of the Jews. Are there examples of this in our world today? Potentially in our own nation?"
I completely agree that the easiest way to create unity is by giving people a common enemy. Whether trying to accomplish a totalitarian government, or simply trying to unify people behind something, having a common enemy is the most successful way to do this. People unite over common goals all the time, but nothing compares to when people unite over a common enemy. Goals are exciting and people want to accomplish them, but anger creates a drive for action.
With that being said, I highly believe that there are countless examples of this idea going on everywhere. For example, think about a workplace. A goal to make improvements in the workplace is great and could create some unity among workers to spark change. However, unity among a hated boss would most likely spark more change. Throughout history, you can see strikes of many kinds. Revolts like this often come after goal setting and positive unity has ceased. It's when people get angry and unify their anger that real changes are made.
A more recent and specific example of this idea is the Black Lives Matter movement. The largest push for action (recently) originated from a unity against the police force. A divide was created where you either supported the black lives matter movement or you supported police. From that divide, you would absolutely expect to get backlash and hatred if you outwardly expressed support of the police. A picture of evil had been painted of the police and proceeded to gain more and more support. The more I look at this example, the more I find parallels to this example and that of the Nazis. While, absolutely, the circumstances were different and nothing could be comparable to what Jewish people were put through, the base outline of people and the way they united against a common hatred is very similar. One of the largest factors that I believe creates the ability for something like this to happen is vulnerability and ignorance. As outsiders begin to see a divide and the two sides presented to them, if they are uneducated on the topic, will choose the path of least resistance. In Germany, it was joining the Nazis and therefore protecting yourself from possible persecution. In the Black Lives Matter movement, people knew that what was being fought for mattered and jumped right in regardless of education or understanding of the situation. They had a will to do what was right, but also saw which side would have the least resistance.
In conclusion, I believe that there will forever be the most unity produced by a "we" vs "they" ideal. There are countless examples now and there will be many to come.
