The Tragedy of Tribalism
May 25th 2012 04:45
My friends are a diverse cast of characters.
If I put them all in one room, I'm not sure if they would get along to well. On many issues, their ideological predispositions sharply conflict, which could lead to some uncomfortable conversations. Still, I think it would be healthy for them to interact with each other.
People are often far to reluctant to venture outside their own culture or social group. But by refusing to engage with people who practice different lifestyles, they miss out on the chance to consider fresh new perspectives on life. And they also become vulnerable to stereotypes peddled by people who fear anything they don't underestand.
My buddies include hipsters, rednecks, evangelicals, atheists, homosexuals, former drug addicts and teetotalers. Though I fervently disagree with some of my friends on a host of issues, I can honestly say that every single one of them have taught me about aspects of their culture and lifestyle that I wouldn't have known otherwise. And for that, I'm eternally grateful.
That's why it bothers how so many people seem satisfied with only fraternizing with people from their own social group. And they often do this while viewing people from other groups through a narrow-minded prism shaped by simplistic stereotypes that they have never bothered to subject to any scrutiny.
What are these people so afraid of? Why are they so uncomfortable with people who don't think like them? I really don't get it and I probably never will.
I mean doesn't the redneck ever wonder if the hipsters he's been hearing about his whole life are really as sinister as his buddies say? Or does he just accept their opinions as the gospel on the issue without the slightest hint of skepticism?
Doesn't the hipster ever wonder if the so-called rednecks that live in the small town 20 minutes north of her suburb are as close-minded and racist as some people assume? Does she ever stop and think that there may be people in that town who don't live up to the stereotype and resent being judged by people who don't even know them?
Why can't people who, like me, steer clear of organized religion be willing to admit that there are a lot of faith-based charities out there that work night and day helping the poor and oppressed?
The allure of tribalism tempts us all, but we shouldn't let ourselves be seduced. So I encourage anyone who lasted through this post to venture outside your social group and get know people from different cultures and different walks of life. You will be doing yourself and the world a service.
If I put them all in one room, I'm not sure if they would get along to well. On many issues, their ideological predispositions sharply conflict, which could lead to some uncomfortable conversations. Still, I think it would be healthy for them to interact with each other.
People are often far to reluctant to venture outside their own culture or social group. But by refusing to engage with people who practice different lifestyles, they miss out on the chance to consider fresh new perspectives on life. And they also become vulnerable to stereotypes peddled by people who fear anything they don't underestand.
My buddies include hipsters, rednecks, evangelicals, atheists, homosexuals, former drug addicts and teetotalers. Though I fervently disagree with some of my friends on a host of issues, I can honestly say that every single one of them have taught me about aspects of their culture and lifestyle that I wouldn't have known otherwise. And for that, I'm eternally grateful.
That's why it bothers how so many people seem satisfied with only fraternizing with people from their own social group. And they often do this while viewing people from other groups through a narrow-minded prism shaped by simplistic stereotypes that they have never bothered to subject to any scrutiny.
What are these people so afraid of? Why are they so uncomfortable with people who don't think like them? I really don't get it and I probably never will.
I mean doesn't the redneck ever wonder if the hipsters he's been hearing about his whole life are really as sinister as his buddies say? Or does he just accept their opinions as the gospel on the issue without the slightest hint of skepticism?
Doesn't the hipster ever wonder if the so-called rednecks that live in the small town 20 minutes north of her suburb are as close-minded and racist as some people assume? Does she ever stop and think that there may be people in that town who don't live up to the stereotype and resent being judged by people who don't even know them?
Why can't people who, like me, steer clear of organized religion be willing to admit that there are a lot of faith-based charities out there that work night and day helping the poor and oppressed?
The allure of tribalism tempts us all, but we shouldn't let ourselves be seduced. So I encourage anyone who lasted through this post to venture outside your social group and get know people from different cultures and different walks of life. You will be doing yourself and the world a service.
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