A DISTURBING UPTICK IN TRIBALISM

 A DISTURBING UPTICK IN TRIBALISM

 

Sometimes I like to use a dictionary’s definition of a word to jumpstart an article and this one hails from the Webster’s Dictionary in regards to tribalism: tribal consciousness and loyalty, exaltation of the tribe above other groups, strong ‘in-group’ loyalty.  A bit vague because a lot of it depends on the size of the tribe and how most of the members identify.  The interpretation does hint at exclusivity, which basically means that certain people are either excluded or discriminated against.  And that is where an increase in tribalism can turn ugly and even deadly in a hurry.  We’re all familiar with phrases such as: letting the cat out of the bag.  Letting the genie out of the bottle.  We all know that the result is a permanent kind of thing.  The same sentiment applies to tribalism once it takes front and center.  All of a sudden it becomes a phenomenon that takes on a life of its own.  The notion that all their problems will be over if only all the members of the tribe stick together and act as one.  Sensing a golden opportunity, they are always led and misled by political hopefuls who pursue a course of exclusive tribal action in the mistaken belief that they can succeed where others have failed.

What triggers tribalism?

Amongst the members of the tribe there is a growing sense of unease:  a steady decline in income, job losses, an influx of immigrants and refugees, inflation, price increases, a lack of housing affordability and a steady erosion of savings or not being able to keep up with the bills.  Irate tribal members don’t need a single specific reason, like the threat of war or an invasion, to invoke an increased sense of nationalism, protectionism or isolationism.  It can be a case of all of the above.  One thing all of us avoid around the globe is the disturbing fact that we persist with an image of false growth, all of it subsidized by a growing mountain of public debt.  This is a public sector phenomenon as out of control spending is solely aimed at placating the masses and to keep government programs and subsidies in place.

An increase in tribalism is not the answer, because it creates the exact opposite as it promotes all the ugliness that segregates nations and its people in the first place in a time of crisis; race, religion, ethnicity, language and culture.  When we need to pull together, we actually start pulling apart.  Size does matter when it comes down to tribal identity and how one identifies.  The smaller the group the easier it is to connect.  In large and more complex societies you will see clusters emerge and it can be based on race, culture, religion, language or a shared environment: a city, a suburb, a region or province.  Tribalism is by and large grounded in a conscious and subconscious erosion of confidence and trust.  Unscrupulous leaders prey on these base emotions of insecurity and start providing an outlet: others are to blame.  We’re under attack.  Our way of life is threatened.  Scum is crossing our borders, drug dealers and rapist embedded amongst the thousands of refugees and illegals.  We have been taken advantage of.  Hit back or perish.  All they need to do is pour on the gasoline to keep the fires of discontent burning and with careful tweaking the tribe starts to react as one.  A new truth.  What used to be minor irritants turn into major causes, and spats turn into ugly conflicts and even war.

It’s that letting the cat out of the bag!

Tribalism grows out of desperation when none of the traditional fixes seem to work.  What most fail to acknowledge is the simple fact that the issues all of us face around the globe are universal in nature and they affect everybody.  To name a few of the current culprits: climate change, global warming, resource depletion, disparity in income and wealth division, deficits and debts, overpopulation, uncontrolled migration and refugees, shortage of affordable housing, inflation, safety and security, air, ground and water pollution.  A toxic and volatile mix.  An increase in tribalism is motivated by attempts to isolate the tribe from all of the above.  One way to achieve this is by blaming anything and everyone not connected to them.  A bizarre form of protectionism that resembles a turtle withdrawing within its shell to discourage an attack.  But even the turtle knows; you can’t hide forever.

How bad can it get?

A prime historical example in our recent past is that of Nazi Germany where an ethnic white majority tried to banish all unwanted elements from their society; Jews, communists, the feeble minded, handicapped, homosexuals and anybody suspected of harboring any kind of immoral deviancy.  Increasingly creating an atmosphere of narrowmindedness that excluded anyone not adhering to Nazi party standards and rules.  Total obedience.  A delusional belief that their Aryan ancestry entitled them to behave like they did.

Every superpower has created these kind of ideological justifications and it is playing out around the world once more.  Over the top, pretentious posturing, threats and bullying turning into official political policies and protectionist measures.  Tariffs, threats, sanctions, military strikes, whatever draws attention.  Whatever they feel might work!  And therein lies the greatest threat in the increase in dubious tribalism; that there is some kind of moral justification behind all their actions and activities.  The USA versus all nations that may or may not have impacted on their peace and prosperity, defending themselves against all threats real or imagined.  Israel versus all entities that impact on the survival of their nation, (despite legitimate objections by Palestinians under constant attack), and those suspected of harboring enemy forces and undermining their legitimacy of statehood.  A Russian state guided by a psychopath who envisions a resurrection of the glorious era of Tsarist power, influence and wealth.  A global economy under siege by an America attempting to stave off a financial collapse brought on by excessive borrowing and debt accumulation and faced with an implosion of their imperial dreams of remaining the biggest superpower in the world.

We’re not learning.

And then there are all the other hotspots around the globe filled with religious and regional conflicts; fights about who owns what, what they feel they are entitled to and who get access to wealth and resources . . .  and who gets nothing.  What we fail to acknowledge is that the world has reached a saturation point in the human population numbers it can realistically sustain; when it comes to providing for all.  And when it comes to a shortfall it is affecting not millions, but billions.  The negatives are starting to pile up by the baker’s dozen.

Tribalism is a simplistic attempt to plug holes in a sieve.  It doesn’t make sense.  Once more the impact of energy and momentum is the driving force behind all of this.  This is our boat.  We’re all in it together.  I am one of you.  Withdrawing in the wilderness and living a life of subsistence and isolation is not the answer.  When you turn your back on life, the world behind you goes on as usual, whether you like it or not.  I don’t have any real answers other than following my own mantra: Be the answer.  We either learn to pull together or we keep pulling apart.

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