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   Part I. Organizing for Effective Advocacy
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      Chapter 30. Principles of Advocacy >
         Section 6. Encouraging Involvement of Potential Opponents as... >
             Examples - Real world situational examples. >

Encouraging Involvement of Potential Opponents as well as Allies

  

Examples

 Contributed by Eric Wadud and Bill Berkowitz

Example #1:

One excellent example of how opposing groups can work together comes from a famous study in social psychology by Muzafer Sherif and his colleagues. At a summer camp, two groups of boys were intense competitors for trophies and prizes. Their opposition became so strong that the "Eagles" burned the "Rattlers'" flag; the Rattlers retaliated by vandalizing the Eagles' cabin. Matters might have gotten out of hand, except that the camp truck broke down on a trip; both groups had to join forces to get it started. The common goal ("superordinate goal" was the technical term used) helped restore harmony between the two groups.

Many other examples illustrate the same principle. The United States and the former Soviet Union--once sworn enemies--cooperated to come up with far-reaching arms control agreements. On a smaller scale, the "Bloods" and "Crips," two gangs in violent rivalry, put aside their differences to restore calm in South Central Los Angeles after riots had occurred.

If such strong opponents can work together, there's good reason to believe you can do it too!