“The truth was a mirror in the hands of God. It fell and broke into pieces. Everybody took a piece of it and they looked at it and thought they had the truth.”- Rumi

The Nature of Hierarchies and Discrimination

In the realm of psychology and sociology, we often categorize and classify our thoughts and behaviors into clusters, groups, and orders, distinguishing between what we deem to be order and disorder. It’s human nature to create these distinctions, often to simplify and make sense of the complex world around us. To elevate one thing, we tend to villainize another, creating a hero and an adversary. Why do we do this? The reasons may be multifaceted and deeply ingrained in our societal structures, but it leads to a pervasive discrimination that infiltrates various aspects of our lives.

We see everything in a hierarchical form because our societies have conditioned us to do so. From a young age, we are taught to categorize, rank, and compare, seeing everything as a ladder to be climbed. But what if we dared to see all beings and experiences as existing on a linear plane, without one being inherently superior or inferior to another?

Discrimination of Self

Discrimination often begins within ourselves. It occurs when we deny parts of our identity—the non-conforming, dangerous, or rebellious aspects of our nature. We learn to shun these parts, to silence them, and to push them into the corners of our minds. But why do we do this?

From the moment we are born, we are given labels, immersed in a culture, and taught a way of life. We inherit allies and rivals before we even understand the concept of choice. This process imposes limitations and expectations on us, shaping our identities according to predefined molds.

The First Step of Self-Discrimination

Self-discrimination begins when we accept these labels and norms without question. We inherit traits, genes, and even voices from our ancestors, and these inherited aspects can shape our self-perception.

When parts of ourselves don’t conform to societal expectations, we often internalize this conflict and discriminate against those parts.

For instance, the creative but impractical dreamer within us may be silenced in favor of the pragmatic, success-driven persona that society celebrates. The rebellious voice that questions norms and challenges authority is often suppressed to maintain social harmony. This internal conflict can lead to a fragmented self, where parts of our true identity are hidden or denied.

The Impact of Self-Discrimination

Self-discrimination is not just a personal issue; it has broader social implications. When we suppress parts of ourselves, we contribute to a culture of conformity and fear of the ‘other.’ This fear perpetuates external discrimination, as we project our internal conflicts onto others. We elevate those who fit the accepted mold and denigrate those who do not, perpetuating a cycle of exclusion and marginalization.

Embracing a Linear Perspective

To break this cycle, we must challenge the hierarchical mindset and embrace a more inclusive, linear perspective. This means recognizing and valuing all aspects of ourselves and others, understanding that diversity in thoughts, behaviors, and identities enriches our collective human experience.

Steps Towards Integration and Acceptance

1. Self-Reflection:

• Engage in regular self-reflection to identify parts of yourself that you may have silenced or marginalized.

• Acknowledge and accept these parts without judgment.

2. Questioning Norms:

• Critically examine societal norms and labels. Ask yourself if they truly align with your values and beliefs.

• Challenge the necessity of conforming to these norms if they suppress your true self.

3. Embracing Diversity:

• Celebrate diversity within yourself and in others. Understand that every trait and behavior has its place and value.
• Foster environments that encourage the expression of all aspects of identity.

4. Promoting Equality:

• Advocate for a linear perspective in social structures, where no trait, behavior, or identity is considered superior or inferior.
• Support policies and practices that promote inclusivity and equity.

By embracing all aspects of our identity and seeing value in diversity, we can move towards a more inclusive and harmonious society. It starts with rejecting internal hierarchies and discrimination, allowing us to fully integrate and accept our true selves.