The Psychology and Politics of Colonial Splitting: Moving from Division to Transformation
摘要
Colonial splitting has been a tool consistently wielded to disempower Indigenous and other outgroups in colonial societies. The term “splitting” as used in this chapter is a behavioral term that denotes the interpersonal use of manipulation and subversion to pit individuals or groups against one another in a way that is strategically advantageous to the manipulator-oppressor. Colonial splitting divides minoritized groups who should be natural allies by creating the illusion of threat from other disempowered people to distract from the real threat of colonial institutions. Colonial splitting has been used effectively to pit Indigenous peoples against one another to weaken them politically and economically. Centuries of the deceit, distraction, and manipulation from colonial splitting has contributed to infighting and disunity that continues to weaken and divide Indigenous people. Colonial splitting continues to be wielded by the proponents of colonialism resulting in deeply distrustful, divided, and inequitable societies. However, identifying, naming, and collectively challenging colonial splitting will help to thwart colonial manipulation. The consequences of colonial splitting may be decolonized through acts of reconciliation. Restoration of traditional collective, holistic, and egalitarian cultural values will heal relations within and between groups and foster transformative coalitions to advance psychological wellness globally.