Brief Comments On Tribalism

When we feel afraid we are more likely to turn to the tribe for protection. Our fear has shut down our critical thinking to divert resources to survival. This kept our ancestors alive for eons.

Remember the increase of patriotic sentiment just after 9/11? That was a perfect demonstration of the human instinct to turn to the tribe for a sense of safety in a dangerous environment.

There are specific chemicals released in our brain when we get confirmation of our acceptance in the tribe. Have you ever gotten chills or felt strong emotion singing the national anthem at a sporting event? That is oxytocin, the bonding chemical. It's the same chemical released in mother and baby while breastfeeding. It is the trust chemical. It is the safety chemical.

Look at the tribes that exist in the modern world. Countries, religions, sports teams, cliques, political parties, race, class, etc. Though some good comes from them, tremendous evil can be done in their name. Humans will do things they consider evil for the sake of retaining tribal membership. Unjust wars, suicide bombing, covering up pedophile priests, covering up pedophile football coaches, the steubenville rape case, lynchings: all of these happened or were allowed to happen because of tribal instincts.

More on this later