Polarity Politics and the 2024 Election

Corey deVosCognitive, Ethical, Integral Justice Warrior, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal, Politics, Video, World Affairs

In this short presentation, Corey describes a fascinating approach to understanding and addressing political polarization in our society. He explains how the “first-past-the-post” voting system inherently creates a two-party system, which in turn leads to cultural polarization. This polarization affects not just society at large, but also our individual hearts and minds. Corey emphasizes the importance of recognizing that every political polarity has both healthy and unhealthy aspects on both sides. He advocates for a practice of examining our own biases, integrating the positive aspects of opposing viewpoints, and avoiding the trap of comparing the best of our preferred position to the worst of the opposing view.

To combat polarization, Corey proposes a two-step process for when we encounter opposing viewpoints. First, we should question whether the opposing view represents a pole in a larger polarity that we’ve relegated to our shadow, and if so, work to reintegrate it. Second, if we determine the opposing view truly represents unhealthy qualities, we should engage by acknowledging the healthy aspects of their position while gently introducing the positive qualities of the opposing view. This approach aims to create a path for realignment and mutual understanding. Corey argues that this practice is crucial for integralists and anyone seeking to navigate the complexities of modern political discourse, as it allows for a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of political issues, and of ourselves.

This spotlight was excerpted from the full 90-minute discussion with Mark Fischler about polarity politics and the 2024 election. You can find the full description below. Log in or become a member to enjoy the full discussion!

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Perspective Shift:

  1. Our reactions to political figures and issues often reveal our own shadows. By examining our strong reactions, we can uncover neglected aspects of ourselves and work towards reintegration.
  2. The political divisions we witness in society reflect the unresolved polarities within us. By observing our reactivity to certain political figures or policies, we can identify areas of our inner life that may be out of alignment.
  3. Political chaos can serve as a catalyst for growth. While disruptive, political upheaval can expose systemic dysfunctions and create opportunities for awareness and positive change.
  4. Effective leadership requires balancing direct and systemic causation. Instead of focusing solely on immediate solutions or long-term systemic changes, we need leaders who can integrate both approaches.
“As integralists, we always want to do the both/and thing. We want to look at all the polarities and integrate as many sides of those polarities as we possibly can. However, the nature of the beast when it comes to politics is you can’t just sit there and ‘both/and’ all the time. Politics is, by definition, an either/or scenario. You have to pull this lever, or you have to pull that lever.”Corey deVos
“I think we have to recognize the complexity and the comprehensive nature of every situation. Every policy, every approach—there are partialities of truth, and we aren’t doing justice if we only bring forward the pieces that align with our favored polarity.”Mark Fischler

In this episode of Integral Justice Warrior, Corey deVos and Mark Fischler dive into the complexities of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, offering a nuanced perspective that goes far beyond typical political analysis. They explore the delicate balance between “both/and” thinking — which allows for consideration of multiple viewpoints — and the “either/or” decisions required in voting. The conversation unveils how the very structure of our political system shapes not just parties, but our culture and individual psyches, often leading to polarization, oversimplified narratives, and broken sense-making.

At the heart of their discussion is a practical approach to navigating political polarities. Corey introduces a method for recognizing when we might be projecting our own shadows onto political issues, or when we may be standing in someone else’s shadow projections or introjections. This insightful framework provides tools for more self-aware and productive political conversations, potentially transforming how you engage with differing viewpoints. Corey and Mark also offer their reflections on the recent Harris-Trump debate, analyzing how presentation and substance can dramatically shift perceptions even among committed partisans.

As the conversation concludes, both Mark and Corey share their personal voting decisions for the upcoming election. However, rather than simple declarations, they provide thoughtful explanations that weigh multiple factors, from immediate policy concerns to long-term impacts on political discourse. Their approach demonstrates how integral thinking can inform political choices while respecting the complexity of the issues at hand.

Whether you’re politically engaged or simply seeking a more nuanced understanding of current events, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tools for navigating the chaos of our current political realities.

Topics include:

Part 1: Both/And & Either/Or Thinking in Politics
Part 2: How the Two-Party System Drives Polarization
Part 3: Post-Debate Reflections
Part 4: Cats, Dogs, and Immigration
Part 5: Who Is Mark Voting For?
Part 6: Who Is Corey Voting For?




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Corey deVos

About Corey deVos

Corey W. deVos is editor and producer of Integral Life. He has worked for Integral Institute/Integal Life since Spring of 2003, and has been a student of integral theory and practice since 1996. Corey is also a professional woodworker, and many of his artworks can be found in his VisionLogix art gallery.

Mark Fischler

About Mark Fischler

Mark Fischler is a Professor of Criminal justice and current program coordinator for the criminal justice and criminology programs at Plymouth State University. Prior to joining the Plymouth State faculty, he practiced law, representing poor criminal defendants for the New Hampshire Public Defender’s Office. Mark has worked extensively with alternative theoretical models in law, constitutional law, and higher education, and has published on integral applications to teaching, being a lawyer, and legal theory. His focus in the classroom is ethics and criminal procedure, and is well respected for a teaching philosophy that emphasizes recognizing the humanity and dignity of each student. Professor Fischler was awarded the outstanding teaching award at his university in 2014. He currently offers a weekly Spiritual Inquiry class through Satya Yoga Studio.