Outgrowing Fear of Annihilation

"The resistance to multiculturalism is based in fear—not just of losing influence, but of getting wiped out, as unrealistic as such fears may be. Fear of annihilation is part of Melanie Klein's early childhood developmental theory. Psychiatrist Mark Epstein suggested further that fear of annihilation infects the sense of self: The less secure we feel, the more likely we are to fear annihilation."

"Strengthening sense of self is paramount to outgrowing fear of annihilation. To do so, we must make it stable, flexible, and expansive. A stable sense of self rests on basic human values and fundamental moral character: Care is good, harm is bad. With that foundation, sense of self becomes more flexible, more easily adapting to changing circumstances."

"Flexibility in a stable sense of self allows it to pursue personal growth. We expand the sense of self by striving to be more curious and less judgmental. How to Overcome Familiarity Bias Familiarity bias is the human tendency to prefer the familiar over the unfamiliar, even if the unfamiliar may be objectively better."

Western democracies face the challenge of maintaining cohesion among increasingly multicultural populations. Past multicultural societies often suppressed minority cultures or collapsed through conquest or civil war. Resistance to multiculturalism is rooted in fear, including fear of being wiped out rather than merely losing influence. Fear of annihilation can undermine the sense of self, making people feel less secure and more likely to fear extinction. Outgrowing this fear requires strengthening the sense of self so it is stable, flexible, and expansive. Stability comes from basic human values and moral character, such as care being good and harm being bad. Flexibility supports adaptation and personal growth through curiosity and reduced judgment, helping people tolerate others’ perspectives.

Read at Psychology Today