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Why Toxic Tribalism Is Destroying Our Society & What To Do About It
“The World is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion.” (Thomas Paine)
This topic is especially relevant to our modern climate in not only the Western world but the overall world. We have become intoxicated by toxic tribalism and the group mob mentality. We have unconsciously been seduced by the idea that one group is “wrong” and “evil” while our own group is “correct” and “good.” This mentality leads to a whole list of disastrous consequences which I will explain later on in this publication. But, the first thing we must understand is what exactly is toxic tribalism and where does it come from.
What is toxic tribalism and where does it stem from?
Firstly, let’s provide a definition of what toxic tribalism is.
Toxic Tribalism: A loyalty to one’s own tribe or social group to the point that dogma and dysfunction become the standard.
Let me provide 2 key characteristics in which an individual has become drunk with toxic tribalism:
- Demonization — This is the first and foremost quality of someone who is toxically tribal. If there is any labeling of the other group as being “stupid,” “evil,” “racist,” “demons,” “scum,” so on and so forth then you can almost be sure that they are in the mindset of toxic tribalism.
- Unconscious Behavior & Attitudes — One of the hallmarks of someone who is engrossed in toxic tribalism is a lack of conscious behavior. Unconscious behavior comes in many forms such as screaming, not entertaining contradictory ideas, being closed minded, violence, and the list goes on. You cannot be dogmatic if you are truly conscious in the present moment. Dogmatic behavior can only take place in unconsciousness.
“Parents and schools should place great emphasis on the idea that it is all right to be different. Racism and all the other ‘isms’ grow from primitive tribalism, the instinctive hostility against those of another tribe, race, religion, nationality, class or whatever. You are a lucky child if your parents taught you to accept diversity.” (Roger Ebert)
