"All of us vs. extremism" — Shark Tank investor Daniel Lubetzky talks about global interconnectivity

Daniel Lubetzky, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Shark Tank investor, has called for a global shift in addressing polarization and extremism. In a TED Talk on May 15, 2024, and accompanying Instagram post, Lubetzky posed a thought-provoking question:

"What if instead of ‘us vs. them,’ we saw ALL of us vs. extremism?"

The Shark Tank investor emphasized the need to replace divisive narratives with collaborative approaches to solving shared challenges. Through his new global initiative, Builders, Lubetzky aims to equip individuals and communities with the tools and networks to bridge divides and tackle global issues together.

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Shark Tank investor Daniel Lubetzky reframing division: All of us vs. extremism

Identifying the problem

Lubetzky explained that modern societies are increasingly divided into opposing categories such as "left versus right," "black versus white," or "Jew versus Muslim." During his TED Talk, he stated:

"Everywhere we look today, we see the same picture, a world divided into us versus them."

The Shark Tank investor highlighted that this pattern of division fosters dehumanization and implants hostility, making it difficult to find common ground. He further emphasized that extremism thrives when communities adopt binary thinking, reducing complex societal issues to simplistic oppositions.

Lubetzky pointed out that this polarization has widespread consequences, perpetuating cycles of blame and inaction. Stressing the importance of collective responsibility in addressing these divisions, he explained:

"By blaming the other for all of society's ills, we abdicate our responsibility for fixing the problem."

He also noted that extremism and polarization are universal issues, not limited to specific regions or groups, but are interconnected across the globe.

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Addressing polarization on a global scale

To address these challenges, Lubetzky announced the launch of Builders, a nonprofit organization that expands upon the work of his earlier initiative, Starts With Us. He explained that Builders aims to provide individuals and communities with the tools, skills, and networks required to bridge divides and tackle global challenges collaboratively.

In his May Instagram post, the Shark Tank investor described the initiative’s purpose:

"We’re still doing what we have always done — equipping people with the skills, tools, and networks to overcome toxic polarization and find solutions together but under a new global initiative that opens the discussion to issues beyond our borders."

Builders emphasizes dialogue that promotes understanding and empowers communities to deal appropriately with common problems. Lubetzky highlighted that the initiative aims to bring people together to address extremism and toxic polarization, which are interrelated issues requiring global responses.

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A shift in perspective: From “Us vs. Them” to “All of Us vs. Extremism”

Lubetzky cautioned that to effectively address extremism, conflicts need reframing in society. According to him, this change in perspective encourages individuals and communities to highlight shared objectives rather than differences.

While it is important for individuals to stand up for his or her beliefs and voices, Lubetzky advocated for framing discussions in a manner that facilitates collaboration more.

"We're going to be more effective in advancing our causes once we frame things differently," he stated.

The Shark Tank investor explained that this approach allows for the identification of common ground and the development of collective solutions. He highlighted that focusing on shared humanity is a central aspect of his strategy for addressing polarization and extremism. He described this perspective as essential for creating sustainable solutions to challenges that transcend borders.

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