In a world of escalating polarities, conflicts and collisions are emerging in many realms of public life, including politics, race, religion, gender, and economics.  This interdisciplinary symposium will explore how the concept of the “cultural complex” can help us understand how our deeply held beliefs and emotions serve our basic identity needs for belonging within the individual psyche as well as within group life.  The presenters will explore cultural complexes in contemporary American life through image and example.