Egocentric Sectionalism

3 basic manifestations of that egocentric sectionalism which disrupted the Union in 1861:

1) The habit of the dominant section of considering itself the nation, its people the American people, its interests the national interests and conversely the habit of the dominant section of regarding the minority group as factional, its interests and instituions and way of life as un-American, unworthy of friendly consideration, and even the object of attack.

2) The perennial attempt of a section to gain or maintain its political ascendency over the federal government by destroying the sectional balance of power which had been established by the 3/5 ration clause in the federal constitution.

3) The failure to observe 'comity of sections.' The people in one section failed in their language and c onduct to respect the dignity and self-respect of the people in the other section.

-Frank Owsley