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What We Call Unity is Unanimity in Disguise
What does unity mean? The better question is what do we think unity means? Merriam-Webster would define unity as “the quality or state of not being multiple, or oneness.” Unity is a sense of harmony between different people. The definition seems a bit abstract, but once we get into the definition of unanimity, we will start to realize that we are trying to be unanimous and disguising it as unity. Unanimity is an agreement by all people involved or a consensus. Here, we are no longer looking for oneness, but sameness.
How do we make unity concrete? Another word for unity can be tolerance. It is when the differences of people don’t matter. We like to think differences don’t matter, but not only do we discriminate on gender, race, religion, and other characteristics, but we love to discriminate the things we can’t see: thoughts and ideas. In contrast, unanimity comes with the expectation of a singular purpose.
If you want to be a part of this group, you must look, act, and follow the same guidelines as everyone in the group. If you want to join McDonald’s you’ll have to put on this script, learn how the burgers are made, and ask, “Would you like fries with that?” The stakes are higher when you’re not allowed in spaces because you don’t look the part, don’t have enough money, or don’t believe in the group’s practices. You don’t belong until you fit in. This isn’t unity, my friend, this is assimilation. Unity promotes tolerance for those who are different and disagree. Unanimity promotes tolerance with those who agree and conform.
Why do we choose unanimity? The answer to that is quite simple. Unanimity is easier to manage. There isn’t much to do when everyone is the same. You don’t have to worry about someone wearing something offensive if everyone has to wear the same thing. You don’t have to worry about anyone stepping out of line when we’re only talking about an assembly line. Because you wear a shirt with a logo, you’re considered united with everyone else wearing the same shirt. We make policies to ensure sameness and call it equality. All these “efficiencies” only seek to eliminate differences. Harmony can’t exist without chaos. The elimination of opposing ideas doesn’t create harmony. It creates robots.
Unanimity is easy, so by default unity is going to take effort. We will fail many times, but that doesn’t mean we should give up the idea of unity. We fall, but we get back up again because the tolerance of our diversity will always be worth it. Instead of trying to make everyone the same, we should aim to celebrate our differences as a step to look past them knowing that each individual is a human being. Regardless of how one talks, how much money someone has, and how someone functions in the world. This is true unity. You don’t have to agree with any of the words that I’ve written. I love you anyway.
Questions and Responses
What does unity mean?
Unity refers to a sense of oneness, where different people or elements come together in harmony. It’s the idea that, despite our differences, we can coexist and collaborate. Merriam-Webster defines unity as “the quality or state of not being multiple, or oneness.” However, true unity means more than just sharing space—it means fostering tolerance and mutual respect, even among those who disagree or hold different views.
How is unity different from unanimity?
Unanimity means complete agreement or consensus among everyone involved. It seeks sameness, where everyone holds the same beliefs, ideas, or actions. In contrast, unity embraces diversity. While unanimity strives for everyone to be the same, unity encourages differences to coexist. It’s not about agreeing on everything, but about accepting and respecting those differences without forcing conformity.
Is it possible to achieve true unity?
Achieving true unity is challenging because it requires tolerance, open-mindedness, and a willingness to accept others as they are. Unlike unanimity, where the goal is sameness, unity thrives on diversity. Although it may seem difficult, working towards unity means we can build a more inclusive and respectful society, where differences are celebrated instead of erased.
Why do people tend to choose unanimity over unity?
Unanimity is easier to manage because it simplifies things. When everyone looks, acts, and thinks the same, it reduces conflict and makes decisions straightforward. In many situations, we mistakenly equate sameness with harmony, but true harmony comes from accepting differences, not erasing them. It’s much more convenient to impose uniformity, but it lacks the richness and depth that unity brings.
Is unanimity always a bad thing?
Unanimity itself isn’t necessarily bad in all contexts, such as in a business environment where everyone needs to follow specific processes for efficiency. However, when applied to human relationships or societies, unanimity can suppress individuality and diversity. When we push for everyone to think and act the same, we lose the opportunity to grow from different perspectives and ideas.
What does unity look like in real life?
Unity looks like people coming together, despite their differences in background, beliefs, or lifestyles, and working towards common goals. It’s when we tolerate, respect, and celebrate each other’s uniqueness, while still finding ways to collaborate. True unity doesn’t demand that we all agree or conform—it encourages us to embrace diversity and see the humanity in each other.
How can we foster true unity in our communities?
Fostering unity starts with understanding and tolerance. We can encourage dialogue, listen to different perspectives, and challenge ourselves to accept differences. Building unity means creating inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and respected, even when they don’t fit the mold or agree with the majority. It takes effort, but the reward is a richer, more harmonious society.
What are the risks of focusing only on unanimity?
When we focus solely on unanimity, we risk creating a culture of conformity where individuality is lost. People may feel pressured to hide their true selves or conform to group expectations to fit in. This can lead to frustration, a lack of creativity, and a society that lacks depth. Unanimity might seem peaceful on the surface, but it can stifle personal growth and social progress.
Why is unity more difficult to achieve than unanimity?
Unity is harder because it requires ongoing effort, compromise, and a willingness to embrace differences. Unlike unanimity, which can be imposed through rules or expectations, unity is built on mutual understanding and respect. It’s messy, and there will be conflicts and disagreements, but the process of striving for unity strengthens relationships and fosters a more vibrant, inclusive environment.
Can we ever completely eliminate differences and still call it unity?
No, true unity doesn’t mean eliminating differences—it means celebrating and accepting them. Differences are a natural part of human diversity, and attempting to erase them would lead to assimilation, not unity. Real unity acknowledges that we don’t all have to be the same, but we can still work together with respect and empathy.
What’s the role of tolerance in achieving unity?
Tolerance is key to achieving unity. It means recognizing that people are different and those differences are valuable. Rather than trying to change or silence others, we should strive to understand and accept them. Tolerance doesn’t mean agreeing with everyone, but it does mean allowing space for differences to coexist without judgment or hostility.
Why do we sometimes confuse unanimity with unity?
We often confuse unanimity with unity because, on the surface, sameness looks like harmony. When everyone conforms, things seem peaceful, but this peace comes at the cost of individuality and freedom. True unity allows for conflict, disagreement, and diversity because it’s grounded in respect rather than forced consensus.
What are the consequences of forcing unanimity?
Forcing unanimity can lead to exclusion, oppression, and a lack of creativity. When people feel they must conform to fit in, they may hide their true selves, leading to a lack of authenticity and innovation. Societies or groups that prioritize unanimity over unity often suppress dissenting voices, which can lead to stagnation and a lack of growth.
Can we have unity without tolerance?
No, unity without tolerance is impossible. Without tolerance, we can only achieve sameness, not true unity. Tolerance allows us to accept and embrace differences, which is the foundation of unity. Without it, we’re simply imposing conformity and calling it unity.
What is the value of diversity in unity?
Diversity enriches unity by bringing different perspectives, ideas, and experiences to the table. In a truly unified environment, diversity is seen as a strength, not a weakness. It allows for more creativity, innovation, and problem-solving because different viewpoints are considered and respected. True unity is about harnessing the power of our differences to create something greater than what could be achieved through sameness.