Exiting the Politics of Supremacy
                The Paradigm Shift From Power Over to Power With
Right under our noses, a major paradigm shift is occuring that will change the political landscape. Ranging from the relationship of a person to oneself, to the one to one relationship, intra-group and organizational relationships, the move is from "top down" to "side by side" relationships. The implications of this shift reverberate right down to the very identity of the person. For example, the concept of masculinity held by many to be the standard, is perceived as threatened. The Alpha Dominant, the imperialist, the supremacist are all in question. And this type of uncertainty is highly stressful for those whose status is based on closely held dependence on their skin color, ethnic, or national identity. The current reaction of politicians to Obama's "power with" approach is highly predictable. Yet, one is moved to realize that, given their desperate attempt to hang onto their identity and ideology, they have no where to go but back to their former way of doing business, based on opposition, adversarial relationships, favor generation and favor calling. All of these aspects define a Top Down/Power Over approach. There is more than a survival mentality involved in all this, however, going beyond to the damnation mentality. The demonization of the other, defeat, dismissiveness, disparagement, shunning, all stand in contrast to  the Side-by-Side approach of discussion, listening, seeking to understand the other and find common ground. This approach inevitably seeks to a sense of unity with other, not stratification or separation. Power With looks for the value in the unique value and diversity of others as well as in the shared sense of humanity that emphasize dignity, respect, understanding. Explore the obstacles to obtaining this "change," when it is really a transition.
                                                           Is there enough skill already in place to make this shift stick?