But this blog is not about those, though it is also about them.
It's not about the noun, but about the verb. To tribalize, as opposed to tribialize (? )-- the action of thinking tribally, I do believe can only lead us into greater awareness, not only of our differences, but of our sameness, our relatedness and interdependence on one another.
We all belong to a tribe, or tribes. Willingly or unwillingly, knowingly or unknowingly. We are not only born into a tribe or tribes, but most importantly, we create or choose our tribes. Sometimes our tribe is easily and readily identifiable--sometimes it is less defined--a more elusive concept. Our tribe can be large, or small--maybe just a handful of local members with perhaps a larger and more broadly ranging membership worldwide. It is this, in particular that is the most exciting thing about tribal thinking.
The unofficial character of tribal belonging, must forever force us to question our defined limitations for identification of and requirements for tribal membership. But aside from these somewhat esoteric and intellectual concepts, there must be fun and lightheartedness, for a tribe must never take itself very seriously or it will surely die out, wither, dry up like shriveled kale... and THAT would be a great loss, because as I see it, we need tribes--many tribes, a multitude of tribes to keep it all interesting-- and working.
So, in the spirit of human planetary survival... let us share our tribal lore.
What's your tribe?
This is very interesting, Marisel. It reminds me somewhat of Seth Godin's book about tribes (which approaches this from a marketing/business pov). But yes, we're all in tribes, which overlap in numerous ways, like a giant ven diagram. Within Brooklyn, I can think of at least six informal tribes off hand that I consider myself part of. Within the world, far more (especially in regards to online communities).
ReplyDeleteThe ties that bind are far greater than the differences that divide us.
Here's to tribal ways (I am now beating my drum and will dance around the fire as soon as this comment is written).
ReplyDeleteThe earthy collusions that draw us into circles also create waves made of the energy shared inside them...and those waves then go outward to influence the world. So tribes contribute. At best the multiple waves of tribal emanation overlap to congeal into new ones, perhaps larger, possibly richer and quite likely more dense with potential. So long as tribal circles stay open they breathe into the world! Yay!
But uh oh when they're closed! Ouch, big time.
Too often the circles tightens into lynch mob's nooses! So it seems we need to recognize the ecosystem of tribes with ample guest-passes so that together we can playfully cross-fertilize our spirits and support diversity...with tolerance and even invitations to diametric views. So, uh...feel free to contradict me :) Knock me sweetly off my ever-lovin' soap-box! Or better, just step right up and have a turn!
Oh! Ooh–the fire is burnin'...better dance around it! See ya there, okay? [Love ya M!]
That's precisely it, Ira. Heightened awareness of tribal affiliations and their particular ways, I believe encourages tolerance and acceptance--but you're right, historically, this has often had the opposite effect. In our day and age, and within our immediately accessible tribal circles, however, we have a choice. The process of small but steady changes in attitude is our only hope toward achieving larger scale transformation...the dialogue continues...
ReplyDeleteIra! your wonderful comment suddenly disappeared... weird.
ReplyDelete