Enemies within

The demonization of mere opponents is a dangerous practice | Janie B. Cheaney

Illustration by Krieg Barrie

In the early days of a marriage, disagreements are terribly personal. Husband and wife have pledged to become one. They understand, in theory, that they are acting as a unit. But the actual practice is difficult: When our spouse disagrees on how to spend the tax refund or where to go for Thanksgiving, we're not just disappointed—we're thwarted. Who is this person who stands foursquare in our way? Who is this obstruction? He (she) is the enemy.

The casting of a spouse as the enemy is a danger sign; if it becomes habitual, the marriage is in trouble. And (leaping from the personal to the political), if the leaders of a nation view their political opposition not merely as mistaken, but as evil and destructive, the nation is in trouble.