The Invisible Chains: How Politics Divides Us Through Us vs Them Narratives

Introduction: The Oldest Trick in the Book

Since the dawn of civilization, humans have naturally formed groups — families, tribes, nations. What was once a survival mechanism has evolved into dangerous divides, often weaponized by political systems. The classic us vs them strategy — splitting people based on caste, religion, color, or creed — has always been a tool for control.

Why unite people when dividing them keeps power in the hands of a few? In modern politics, these divides aren’t accidental — they're engineered, reinforced, and exploited to manipulate public sentiment and maintain dominance.

The ‘Us vs Them’ Playbook

It’s a simple, effective, and devastatingly powerful formula:

Create a common enemy, give people a group to blame, and position yourself as their protector.

This tactic transcends borders, cultures, and ideologies. From political campaigns to nationalist movements, leaders often create or exaggerate differences to fuel hatred and mistrust.

In one country, it might be caste.

In another, it’s skin color.

Somewhere else, it’s religion, language, or even what clothes you wear.

Once the lines are drawn, it becomes easier to control narratives, justify discrimination, and distract people from real issues like poverty, unemployment, and corruption.

Caste, Religion, and Color: Ancient Tools, Modern Purpose

Caste and Class Divides

In many societies, caste and class are still powerful divisions. Politics often preserves these hierarchies under the guise of tradition or meritocracy. Policies and opportunities are distributed unequally, and the lower sections are kept busy fighting amongst themselves while the elite stay untouched.

Religion as a Political Weapon

Religious identity, one of the most personal aspects of a person’s life, is regularly politicized. Religious sentiments are stirred, manipulated, and turned into riots and laws. Elections are won and lost on religious rhetoric, with leaders posing as defenders of faith while using it to silence dissent and polarize communities.

Color and Race

In both subtle and overt ways, skin color and race remain divisive tools. From systemic racism in justice systems to media stereotypes, politics often amplifies these divisions. Racism isn’t just about individual prejudice — it’s embedded in policies, practices, and representation.

The Psychology Behind Division

Why does this strategy work so well? Because it taps into deep-rooted human psychology.

People naturally seek identity and belonging. Political powers exploit this need by creating in-groups and out-groups. The in-group feels special, protected, and morally superior. The out-group is dehumanized, blamed for social problems, and considered a threat.

This manipulation fosters fear, hatred, and loyalty, blinding people to their shared humanity and common struggles.

The Real Cost: Broken Societies, Wasted Potential

The consequences of this division are everywhere:

Communities torn apart by violence.

Talented individuals denied opportunities due to their identity.

Distrust so deep that collaboration feels impossible.

While people fight over caste, religion, or race, the real issues remain ignored:

Broken healthcare systems

Unemployment

Corrupt governance

Poor education

Environmental crises

A divided society is an easy one to control. As long as people are busy fighting each other, no one questions the failures of leadership.

Breaking the Chains: What Can Be Done

The first step is awareness. Recognizing how politics manipulates identity can help people resist these divisions.

Question narratives that pit groups against each other.

Reject leaders and media that promote hatred and stereotypes.

Promote conversations across religious, caste, and racial lines.

Support movements and policies that prioritize human rights, equality, and justice over identity politics.

Unity isn’t about erasing differences — it’s about respecting them without letting them divide us.

Conclusion: Unity is the Real Revolution

The power of the people lies not in their divisions but in their unity. The day we realize that our caste, religion, color, or creed doesn’t make us enemies — but our shared humanity makes us family — is the day politics will no longer hold us hostage.

We don’t have to agree on everything, but we must agree on one thing: A divided society serves no one but those in power.

It’s time to stop being pawns in someone else’s game.

It’s time to tear down the invisible chains.