Lately, we’ve been seeing some surprising changes in the tech world, but this one might be the most interesting yet: top tech brands, Apple and Google, two longtime rivals, have decided to work together. This time, it’s on a new messaging system called Rich Communication Services (RCS). For years, Apple resisted adopting RCS, but now they’re finally on board with Google, working together to make messaging easier and more connected for all of us. While it might seem like just another tech update, there’s something more meaningful going on here—a glimpse into what happens when competitors lay down their rivalries for something bigger. Could this collaboration give us some insights into how we, too, can come together in a divided world?
RCS as a Symbol of Reconciliation
RCS, if you’re not familiar, takes messaging to the next level with features like read receipts, high-quality media sharing, and seamless messaging across devices. For years, it’s been something that only Android users could fully use. But now, with Apple joining in, messaging between iPhone and Android users just got a lot simpler. This isn’t just about better texting. Apple and Google’s partnership here stands as a symbol of unity over competition—a reminder of what’s possible when we work together, even with our differences. So, it’s worth asking: what could this mean for society at large?
What would happen if our communities, workplaces, and institutions adopted this same idea, setting aside old rivalries and divisions to work toward something greater? The world feels more divided than ever—by race, gender, political lines, and more. But this partnership hints at the possibility of building bridges instead of walls.
Lessons from Womanist Ethics: Inclusion and Justice Matter
This collaboration has some interesting parallels with what womanist ethicists like Katie Cannon and Emilie Townes have been teaching for years. Womanist ethics, rooted in the experiences of Black women, emphasizes the need for a more inclusive and just society. Cannon, for example, believed in each person’s responsibility to pursue justice in a way that’s true to themselves and their communities. This approach isn’t about abstract “rules” but about real, lived experiences—something that becomes even more important in a world where marginalized voices are too often ignored.
Then there’s Emilie Townes, who speaks about how the “hegemonic imagination”—basically, the societal stereotypes and biases we carry—can keep us stuck in harmful patterns. These biases often prevent us from seeing the full humanity of those around us. If we’re serious about creating a more united world, we need to break down these barriers and embrace the inclusion of all the voices that make up our society.
The 2024 Election: A Crossroads for Change
This year’s U.S. presidential election highlights just how much work we have to do to reach true unity. Faced with a choice between a visionary Black woman and a convicted felon, the country chose the latter—a decision that echoes the ancient story of Barabbas and Jesus, where people chose the familiar over the transformational. It shows how deeply rooted our fears and biases can be, especially when confronted with change that feels uncomfortable. If we want a society that values unity and justice, we have to challenge these patterns and make more courageous choices.
A New Vision of Unity: More Than Just Symbolism
True unity requires more than just symbolic gestures; it demands a real commitment to justice, empathy, and equity. Imagine if, like Apple and Google, our institutions and communities focused on collaboration over competition. It has been said that unity without justice is incomplete. So, a commitment to unity in society means tackling inequalities, embracing diverse voices, and actively working to tear down the systems that maintain division.
The recent Apple-Google partnership is just one example of what can happen when former opponents come together for a shared goal. Picture this mindset taking hold in our schools, workplaces, and government—prioritizing connection, empathy, and justice. We could create a society where everyone feels valued, and where differences are strengths, not sources of division.
Moving Forward
The partnership between Apple and Google may just be a tech story on the surface, but it’s also a symbol of hope—a reminder that even deep-rooted competition can give way to cooperation. To build a truly united society, we need more than just symbolic acts of collaboration; we need a shared commitment to justice and equity. As we look to the future, may we find inspiration in these kinds of partnerships and choose to build connections that value every voice.
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