Split People in a Split World 327
complexity without order. We don‟t know who we are and we have
problems satisfying even the most basic needs of self-image. The theories
which we do have about personality, identity, and social interaction usually
place marketing above research and understanding.
The result is that our world is driven by two diametrically opposed
forces. First, there is a dynamic connected with the me of our physical
bodies. Here, we look for better Mercy experiences and greater Teacher
order. We cure diseases, improve working conditions, increase leisure time,
and raise our standard of living. Likewise, we work to create common
markets, technical standards, world-wide-webs and combined peace
operations—all to bring order to the complexity of our physical world.
In contrast, the energy associated with the me of Mercy identification
struggles to create Mercy divisions and to destroy Teacher order. We are
convulsed with ethnic tension. Special interest groups pit one Mercy
identification against another. Houses sprout security systems and private
lives build walls in order to protect me from the personal attacks of others.
On the Teacher front, states declare their independence from countries and
regions struggle for political autonomy. Individuals break laws and
teenagers rebel against authority.
How do we combat the anarchy provoked by the me of Mercy
identification? By adding more structure to the me of the physical body.
Western democracy gives us permission to satisfy any emotional fantasy
which we desire, as long as we do not damage the me of our physical
bodies. We watch scenes of people pretending to mutilate each other, but
we must never actually follow through on these fantasies. We bombard
each other with advertising designed to attract attention through any means,
but we must not extend this to the use of physical force. We lust after the
possessions of another, but we are barred from actually taking his goods or
entering his physical property. We pretend to have sex with anyone and
everyone, but we are prohibited by law from turning imagination into
reality.
„Modern‟ man is driven by two opposing forces:
The me of the physical body builds order and pursues pleasure.
The me of Mercy identification seeks division and destruction.
We control the me of identification by restricting the me of the body.
Similarly, when there is ethnic conflict in the world, we respond by
sending peacekeeping troops—who solve emotional problems by imposing
physical constraints. When there is dictatorship, we call for elections, to
bring about emotional healing through external means. Our peace treaties
restore territory and possessions but ignore the murderous attitudes of
those who inhabit these lands.