The Strategy of Breeding Out Your Enemy: A Peaceful Path to Influence and Victory
By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS
In today’s divided world, the question of influence and control often evokes images of conflict and war. But what if I told you there’s a way to assert influence, shift the social landscape, and even “breed out” ideological opposition without a single act of violence? As an Iranian-American, ex-Muslim, and former leftist who has navigated different cultures and ideologies, I understand the power that strategic population growth, cultural outreach, and values-based coalition-building can have on a society. Drawing on my personal experiences and journey, I’ll explore the ways individuals and communities can peacefully shift societal dynamics, ensuring the preservation of certain values and traditions.
1. The Power of Family and Population Growth
Historically, population growth has always been a significant factor in shaping societies. The idea is simple but powerful: if a community’s values emphasize family, child-rearing, and strong family support networks, that community is naturally positioned to grow and sustain itself over generations. For example, religious and cultural groups that prioritize large families often see their influence spread as they produce the next generation of culturally invested and ideologically aligned individuals. This peaceful growth can change local demographics over time, influencing voting patterns, educational values, and community priorities.
For Christian conservatives, like myself, this means emphasizing family values in ways that counteract secular trends of low birth rates and fragmented families. Families are the foundation of cultural preservation, instilling traditions, religious beliefs, and civic responsibilities in their children. This steady and organic growth provides an alternative to conflict, allowing values-based communities to quietly but significantly impact society.
2. Strengthening Community Institutions
As a former leader in the Muslim community, I witnessed firsthand how communal institutions like mosques, community centers, and outreach organizations help to solidify identity and loyalty within a community. Similarly, Christian conservatives can invest in institutions that foster communal unity and pride. These might include faith-based schools, youth programs, and media that share and reinforce shared values.
A powerful example of this is the LDS Church’s emphasis on family and community involvement. The Church not only emphasizes large families but also has a strong network of community support through events, missions, and outreach programs. Building community institutions that reflect values encourages loyalty and strengthens cultural resilience against opposing influences. In time, these institutions shape not only individuals but entire communities, making them less susceptible to ideologies that conflict with their beliefs.
3. Educational Outreach and Influencing Future Generations
Education is one of the most powerful tools for influencing long-term cultural trends. Many movements throughout history have realized the value of reaching young minds, and values-driven communities can do the same by establishing their own educational institutions or supporting existing ones that align with their beliefs. By investing in private schools, home-schooling initiatives, and college organizations, values-driven communities can ensure that their youth are not only well-educated but also deeply rooted in the beliefs and traditions that define their culture.
This is particularly effective in counteracting secular, left-leaning trends in public education. Faith-based schools or programs that emphasize traditional family values, civic responsibility, and moral clarity foster a generation that understands and is committed to the values of their community. When communities build their educational influence, they avoid the “culture war” that often characterizes conflicts over public education, instead developing a parallel structure that naturally preserves their way of life.
4. Strategic Alliances with Like-Minded Groups
Sometimes, influence and growth require the support of allies. As a former socialist who has since adopted conservative principles, I’ve seen both sides of this approach. Historically, political and ideological movements have relied on alliances to strengthen their base and spread their ideas. In the case of religious conservatives, forging alliances with other groups who share overlapping values—such as pro-family advocates, traditionalist groups, and moderate communities that respect religious freedoms—can be an effective way to reinforce cultural influence.
Strategic alliances provide a broader foundation of support, drawing strength from groups that may differ on some issues but hold shared goals for preserving certain societal norms and cultural values. Such alliances minimize direct conflict, uniting groups under common principles that promote peace, stability, and shared cultural preservation.
5. The Importance of Values-Driven Media
Media is an often overlooked but incredibly powerful tool in shaping public opinion and influencing culture. Traditional media, entertainment, and social media are potent platforms for communicating values, influencing thought, and connecting with the younger generation. Creating media that aligns with one’s values ensures that those messages reach and resonate with a broad audience, reinforcing shared beliefs and building community cohesion without any need for conflict.
Many groups have recognized the influence of media in steering societal norms and cultural trends. Christians, in particular, have made strides in recent years in developing media that reflects and supports their worldview, from film studios that produce faith-based movies to social media channels that promote Christian values. By supporting and consuming media that reflects their values, communities can shape public narratives and foster environments where their beliefs are respected, if not embraced.
6. Emphasizing Faith and Resilience in the Face of Cultural Opposition
Finally, a values-based community that seeks peaceful influence must prioritize resilience and unity within its members. This comes down to individual commitment to faith, values, and traditions, which acts as the bedrock for a thriving community. Drawing on the strength of faith—whether it’s through prayer, community support, or simply a commitment to live by core principles—enables individuals to maintain their convictions even in the face of cultural or ideological pressure.
For me, as a Christian and former member of Islamic organizations, the journey to embracing and standing firm in my beliefs has been transformative. In preserving one’s faith and values, a community does more than just survive; it thrives. Over time, this resilience not only protects a community’s identity but also allows it to grow and influence society around it in ways that do not require conflict or force.
Conclusion: A Peaceful Path to Cultural Influence
The strategy of “breeding out” ideological opposition, when approached through family values, strong institutions, education, alliances, media, and faith, offers a blueprint for lasting influence that avoids the need for conflict. It’s about building a society that reflects and respects one’s values, ensuring those beliefs endure through peaceful cultural growth. By focusing on these methods, values-driven communities can secure their place in society while honoring their principles and fostering harmony with others.
Citations
Kaplan, Robert D. The Revenge of Geography: What the Map Tells Us About Coming Conflicts and the Battle Against Fate. Random House, 2012.
Putnam, Robert D. Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community. Simon & Schuster, 2000.
Stark, Rodney, and Roger Finke. Acts of Faith: Explaining the Human Side of Religion. University of California Press, 2000.
Casanova, José. Public Religions in the Modern World. University of Chicago Press, 1994.
Wallis, Jim. The Great Awakening: Reviving Faith & Politics in a Post-Religious Right America. HarperOne, 2008.
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