They live a block away from each other, played sports together growing up, and went to the same high schools. They have shared relatives, listen to similar music, root for the identical football team, and shop at the same stores. But one wears red, and the other’s uniform is blue. Bloods and Crips.
Shared family. Shared DNA. Shared beds growing up. Shared dry-ass mashed potatoes being passed around the table but differing views on crime reduction tactics and Elon Musk. These trifling differences open the door to disharmony and slam that same door shut on familial togetherness.
Rivalries like these occur between entities that have far more commonalities than differences. However, it is these inconsequential differences that lead to bloodshed, a race to the bottom on pricing, and excommunication from Christmas dinner.
“WHAT IS THE TYRANNY OF SMALL DIFFERENCES?”
A concept initially coined by Sigmund Freud in his 1930 work Civilization and Its Discontents, the tyranny of small differences refers to the disproportionate emphasis people place on minor distinctions, often within groups or contexts that are fundamentally very similar. These minor differences among people who are otherwise very similar often serve as the basis for feelings of hostility or rivalry, a concept Freud referred to as the “narcissism of small differences”. The phrase has since been adapted in sociology, anthropology, and cultural studies to describe how small variations in identity, taste, or status can create significant tensions.
The tyranny of small differences can lead to conflict, exclusion, or competition over relatively trivial matters, even when there is broad agreement or shared interests at a larger scale.
A COUPLE EXAMPLES THAT I’VE SEEN PLAY OUT
- I’m More Punk Than You Within subcultures, people who share broad similarities may highlight and debate minor distinctions. An example I’ve seen over the years is in the punk music scene. Tensions arise between hardcore kids, crust punks, metalheads, straightedge, et cetera over relatively minute stylistic or ideological differences, despite the groups identifying with the broader punk ethos. These disagreements can lead to exclusion, animosity, and violence, oft overshadowing the shared cultural foundations.
- Buy My Medical DeviceZZZ Companies that manufacture dental devices to treat sleep apnea are constantly contesting each other for market share. They battle over the same clients and tout how their respective devices are the best. These companies are all valued at several million dollars. They service the same dental clients to help them save patients’ lives. Their products function the same, list for approximately the same cost, and are indistinguishable to the layperson. However, one is made with pink acrylic and the other is fabricated with clear acrylic, or is adjustable in 1/4mm increments as opposed to full millimeter advances. These conflicts over small features stifle collaboration and alienate colleagues with slightly divergent views.
The tyranny of small differences is especially relevant for discussions about identity, group dynamics, marketed products, and cultural criticisms, as it underscores the paradox that people who are most similar may sometimes struggle to coexist due to their focus on nominal distinctions.
GOT IT, SO WHAT?
The problem with this is that the resultant divisions empower the real antagonists to continue their dominance. Oral appliance companies expend efforts to thwart one another while the status quo continues dominating the landscape. These companies hold each other down like the proverbial crabs in a barrel and CPAP therapy thrives while physician prescribing habits remain the same.
In gang-infested neighborhoods, the nightly news spotlight continues to shine on crime while the need for shifts in policing protocols, improved schools, and community investment are ignored.
With families, the ties that bind are loosened and eventually severed leading to everyone eating shitty food by themselves.
OK, NOW WHAT?
Identify and buttress common bonds. There is strength in solidarity, empowering you to fight the real adversaries. Focus on shared values and goals. Highlight overarching commonalities to transcend minor disagreements and focus on the core mission.
Speak openly and respectfully. Candid dialogue diffuses misunderstandings and empowers people to freely express concerns and clarify their perspectives.
COLLABORATE. DON’T COMPETE.
Emphasize the power of ‘co-opetition.’ Collaboration fosters a sense of interdependence and reduces the urge to emphasize differences. Companies can collaborate on research, cull resources to create consumer marketing campaigns, and lobby governing bodies, insurance companies, and regulatory agencies to move the needle in a meaningful way.
By focusing on shared goals, creating joint initiatives, and emphasizing commonalities rather than paltry differences, groups can channel energy and resources toward positive action rather than debating whose approach is superior.
Pass the potatoes, please.
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