In a recent LinkedIn post, Arlene Dickinson urges a re-evaluation of societal conflicts, arguing that the current divisions are not merely political but a deliberate manipulation designed to erode truth and humanity. Dickinson challenges the simplistic ‘left versus right’ narrative, asserting that the real battle lies between truth and lies, dignity and degradation, and humanity and hate.
Dickinson begins by directly addressing the manufactured nature of societal discord:
“What’s going on isn’t about left versus right even though that’s the easiest story to tell ourselves. It’s about truth versus lies, dignity versus degradation, humanity versus hate.”
The post delves into the mechanisms that foster and exploit these divisions. Dickinson points to the role of algorithms and business models in profiting from conflict and outrage. She highlights how fear and tribalism are amplified because they drive engagement, a phenomenon she admits to falling prey to herself.
The Engineered Nature of Division
According to Dickinson, the divisions we witness are not organic but intentionally engineered. She explains that the digital landscape, particularly social media algorithms, are designed to reward outrage. This creates a profitable ecosystem where conflict and division are incentivized.
“Division isn’t accidental, its engineered. Algorithms reward outrage, business models profit from conflict, and fear and tribalism get amplified because they drive engagement. I’ve fallen for it too. We all have, because anger feels righteous and choosing a side feels like clarity.”
As Arlene Dickinson notes, this manufactured division serves a specific purpose: to distract from the core issues and weaken societal cohesion. By encouraging people to sort themselves into tribes rather than engaging with each other as fellow human beings, it becomes easier to dehumanize others and justify cruelty.
The Cost of Dehumanization
Dickinson emphasizes the detrimental impact of labeling and tribalism on human connection and ethical behavior. When individuals are reduced to labels or categories, the capacity for empathy diminishes, making cruelty and indecency more prevalent.
“The labels don’t just distract us, they divide us and division is exactly what gives this darkness room to grow. When we stop seeing each other as human beings and start sorting people into tribes, cruelty becomes so much easier. We see enemies in anyone who isn’t a copy of us, silence feels much safer, and indecency settles in to grow.”
In her view, this erosion of shared humanity is a direct threat to democratic societies. The focus on ‘us versus them’ creates an environment where constructive dialogue is impossible, and mutual understanding is abandoned.
A Call for Truth and Decency
Concluding her post, Arlene Dickinson issues a strong call to action, urging readers to resist the engineered narratives and focus on fundamental values. She advocates for a fight centered on truth, decency, and humanity, asserting that any other form of conflict ultimately serves those who seek to undermine democracy.
“Fight for truth and decency. Fight for humanity. Any other fight only serves the systems that profit from democracy’s collapse.”
Dickinson’s message serves as a critical reminder for individuals and businesses alike to be aware of the forces that seek to divide, and to consciously choose to uphold truth and human dignity in their interactions and public discourse.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Arlene Dickinson on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on January 9, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →