Tribalism

We all have a need to belong, to be part of a group.

Who doesn’t want to feel they belong? Who doesn’t want to be a part of something or connected to someone? 

We all have a need to belong, to be part of a group.

It’s known as Tribalism.

Tribalism, by definition, is the state (or fact) of belonging to a group or a tribe. From our ancestral origins as nomadic people groups, we have banded together for our welfare and well-being, as well as our protection both individually and corporately.  As we established permanent dwelling places, and later cities, tribalism expanded beyond the clan to become communalism.

Throughout history, we have seen warring tribes initially fight over resources, such as food, water, or shelter. As we progressed, tribal warfare expanded to military conquest for land and to either enslave or eliminate its inhabitants. History is full of examples of military leaders bent on conquest and territorial expansion, such as Alexander the Great, Hannibal, Julius Caesar, Napoleon, Hitler, Stalin, and Mao Zedong, who sought to expand their country’s borders, influence, resources, and human capital.

These charismatic leaders used the tribal sense of “belonging” to entice them to see other people groups as inferior, dangerous, or evil, justifying their quest for domination.  Seeing others who are not a part of the group as something to fear makes it easier to justify the seizing of their resources, taking possession of their land, or their enslavement or destruction. These military tacticians understood having a common enemy united and strengthened their tribe.

So, what does Tribalism look like today?

In today’s interconnected world, the undercurrents of modern tribalism have gained unprecedented strength, shaping societies and individual behaviors. We, as humans, are inherently social beings. We seek affiliation and identity through group dynamics. Group rules serve as the scaffolding for social norms and expectations. They also play a crucial role in defining our sense of belonging.

The very nature of these rules encourages conformity, fostering a shared identity within the group.  We’ve seen this with various “movements” in recent history, such as the Civil Rights Movement, the Tea Party Movement, the Me-Too Movement, the Black Lives Matter Movement, the Woke Movement, and the Make America Great Again (MAGA) Movement.

Conformity, a psychological necessity for individuals within a group, is accentuated by the identification of a common enemy. This shared adversary acts as a unifying force, consolidating the group and fostering a collective identity. Historical examples, such as wartime propaganda or political polarization, vividly illustrate the potent effects of a common enemy on group cohesion. Common examples of this today include the targeting of people groups based on race, color, sex, or religious ideology.

While conformity and a common enemy contribute to a group's strength and unity, it is essential to acknowledge the positive aspects of cohesive groups. Shared identity and common goals can lead to remarkable achievements and resilience in the face of external challenges.  NASA putting a man on the moon, creating the Space Shuttle, and building (and manning) the International Space Station is a modern-day example of this dynamic at work.

However, the very strengths that bind a group together can sow the seeds of its undoing. Again, we saw this with NASA and the Discovery Shuttle Disaster, the riots that resulted from the BLM Movement, and the antisemitic rhetoric sweeping through Ivy League Universities. Factions emerge as group dynamics evolve, leading to internal conflicts and eroding the cohesiveness that once defined the group. Examining historical and contemporary instances reveals the fragility inherent in even the most robust group structures.

My daughter, Jessie, recently returned from a 10-day Mediterranean Leadership Cruise, where she was one of the keynote speakers. One of the interesting observations she witnessed as she visited several countries was the distinctive culture that permeated each region she visited. This is another tribal dynamic that unites a people group that can, over time, lead to groupthink.

Culture is an integral part of any group or tribe, as we want to be connected with people who tend to share similar beliefs, values, or a purpose.  But the longer we belong, these customs start to color our view of the world around us, as the group dynamic reshapes our thinking. We stop thinking less like an individual, blindly accepting the beliefs of the group, or else we find ourselves ostracized or canceled.

This can result in a willful blindness to problems that over time can harm the culture as a whole. It can also blind a culture to embracing innovation or change that could bring a better outcome for the populace as a whole.  It was only a few decades ago that society scoffed at the idea of coffee, the light bulb, the automobile, the airplane, umbrellas, vaccines, and personal computers.

The rise of social media and advanced technology has amplified tribalistic tendencies. Online communities and echo chambers reinforce pre-existing beliefs, creating virtual tribes that thrive on confirmation bias. The algorithms that dictate our online experiences unintentionally contribute to the polarization and isolation of groups and the creation of common enemies that need to be confronted, attacked, or eliminated.

We see this manifested in the “us vs. them” mentality that permeates social media. This leads to open hostility (and at times violence) against groups that share different values or beliefs, as we have seen in recent years by the so-called Cancel Culture.

In the face of these challenges, fostering critical thinking becomes paramount. Encouraging individuals to question group norms and promoting open-mindedness are essential steps in mitigating the dangers of modern tribalism. By embracing individuality within the group context, societies can navigate the delicate balance between collective identity and personal autonomy.

Turning our attention to specific case studies, we find instances where tribalism has led to dire consequences. Socialism, communism, and cults all lead to a loss of individual freedoms, bodily autonomy, and freedom of thought. From partisan political divides to the purposeful division of people by race, color, religion, creed, or sex, these examples serve as cautionary tales, urging us to learn from the past to start thinking for ourselves rather than allowing the tribe to think for us.

This also serves as a reminder that character matters, values matter, and these should be the non-negotiables in our lives that ground us, stabilize us, and govern what we will embrace as Truth.

Preventing the negative effects of modern tribalism requires a multifaceted approach. Education and awareness campaigns can enlighten individuals about the pitfalls of unchecked group conformity and the dangers of groupthink.

Striking a balance between collective identity and individual autonomy is key to building resilient societies.  This is where personal growth is instrumental, as we are stretching our thinking when we’re growing. This helps us see the world more objectively, as individuals, and less subjectively as part of a mindless group that often acts without rational thought.

The dangers of modern tribalism are pervasive, affecting both individuals and societies at large. By understanding the dynamics of group formation, conformity, and the identification of common enemies, we can learn how to work together to accomplish great things while maintaining our own unique sense of identity, value, and worth.

As we embrace critical thinking and learn from the lessons of history, we have the power to mitigate these dangers of groupthink and conformity that can often lead to acts of violence against other tribal groups that are perceived as different than our own.

Tribalism unchecked leads only to division, anger, jealousy, resentment, and retaliation. This is how great cultures unravel and ultimately fade into the annuls of history.

It is important to remember we are ONE race, the human race, and when we value ourselves and value others, we make the world a better place to live and raise a family. When we all practice the Platinum Rule, treating other people better than we would want them to treat us, we set in motion the Law of Reciprocity, encouraging others to do the same to us.