Blog: 001 - The Issue of Tribalism
Tribalism. We’re all guilty of it, whether we admit it or not. The term has been on my mind for a number of years now. The mindless and hostile actions and words of so many have been senseless toward one another in recent years, but something occurred recently which prompted my desire to put some thoughts to written word.
This past weekend, an incident occurred in Baltimore, MD following the Baltimore Ravens game against the Washington Commanders (FKA and still should be known as Redskins, but that’s irrelevant). I’m a Ravens fan and see most of the news updates surrounding the team. A fan who lacked intelligence, and likely any sense of sobriety (not to make excuses), decided to take it upon himself to locate and assault two Commanders fans who stood out due to the jerseys they were wearing. After taking a cheap shot on one fan and tackling another, he stood in triumphant celebration shortly after. Now, it seems as though the legal process is already underway, as are the professional consequences for conducting oneself in such a way. It begs an important question though–a rhetorical one for me. Why do we humans conduct ourselves like this?
I used a sports example to introduce this concept. It is undoubtedly relevant in sports. The hostility we hold toward others simply for being from a different city or region and pulling for their respective teams is inexplicable, but tribalism is perhaps most prevalent in our political arena. Especially in the last several years, we disown people over the signs people have in their front yards. I know friends who have boycotted other friends’ businesses because of political leanings. Some change opinions on particular issues because one person or another in a position of prominence supports or opposes something. It is inexplicable.
Twenty years ago, the interventionist party internationally was the GOP. The Democrats were the doves. Why that has seemingly completely reversed itself may be due to forces at play that we don’t have the insight to understand on the surface level. Regardless, avid followers tribally march in lockstep with their party leaders.
In recent weeks and months, some prominent figures have taken to Washington in a bi-partisan fashion to discuss the existential need for food and health reforms. The proposals took a look at the need to modify how we practice healthcare, how we regulate food and medications, and how we advise patients on lifestyle decisions. Nothing about this should have presented itself as partisan in nature. The GOP welcomed the discussion and gave those concerned people a platform to present their ideas. Many of the ideas would traditionally be considered rather liberal in nature, but Democrats were slow to budge on the topic because of who championed the cause (for clarity, I have no issue in saying that the same would have occurred if the Democrats introduced the same ideas–Republicans would have fought it).
Nothing about this topic should be divisive, even in the face of minor disagreements over proper solutions. A quick look at the United States would suggest an obvious need to address chronic illness, especially among our young. It already is, however, because one side cannot in any scenario let the other side win. This topic possesses enough substance to be an extensive blog entry on its own, and I’ve gone down this rabbit hole enough already.
Legacy media, largely funded by one of the culprits (being big pharma), kept silent on the aforementioned topic. Speaking of legacy media, no industry thrives on tribalism more. To this day, it astonishes me that so many still turn on the television and believe the messaging they are force fed. Us versus them. “It looks like we’re winning,” or “We’re losing. Boy, the other side is so lousy.” How about, “this is the issue I need to care about, and I need to think this way about it because they’re telling me this person said that about it.” Rinse and repeat for a whole host of issues many of us know nothing about but feel the need to opine on because the legacy media told us to care.
Fortunately, legacy media stands a good chance of waning in relevance as younger generations consume their information differently–I’d argue more objectively. On the topic of objectivity, for anyone making it this far in this rather informal blog entry, that’s my challenge to everyone. Be objective. To hell with thinking one way or the other just because the leaders in your political affiliation think a certain way. Be a Democrat in support of tough immigration enforcement. See the need for more efficient paths to citizenship as a Republican. If you’re a pro-choice Republican, or a pro-life Democrat, cool. Better yet, don’t commit to the binary on the topic. Formulate your own stance independently from all of the talking heads. Or, here’s a novel concept–don’t have an opinion on something! It’s possible. In fact, it’s NOT possible to genuinely care about everything they tell us to care about.
And most importantly, stop hating each other over trivial disagreements. It’s dumb and ruins lives, families, relationships, and friendships. Republicans, go have a beer with Democrats. Democrats, go on a walk with Republican friends. Set an example for leaders. They need it. –P.K.