Overcoming Tribalism

[jayem]

Are humans destined to hate each other? You might think so, given the current tribal passions that sharply divide the country. Considering our political affiliations, sexual orientations, religious beliefs, and racial and ethnic backgrounds, I cannot think of another time in recent memory when people have been so pitted against each other. Well, I have some good news: there is nothing inevitable or hardwired about our specific prejudices or biases. In fact,recent neuroscience research suggests that tribalism is, to a great extent, socially constructed and that there is much that we can do as clinicians to combat the forces that divide us and our patients.

I came across this piece by Richard Friedman, a psychiatrist with Cornell medical center in NYC. I've always been of the opinion that tribalism--which is the root cause of bigotry, malignant nationalism, xenophobia, and so much hurtful human conflict--is hardwired into our brains. Dr. Friedman states it's largely a social construct, which can be overcome. I hope he's right. Tribalistic thinking is the most maladpative and destructive force in the modern world.

A worthwhile read for anyone interested. And brief. Only a page and a half.

Psychiatry Online

 

[Carl Emerson]

Is tribalism a problem in itself, or the selfish passions associated with it.

 

[Halbhh]

Are humans destined to hate each other? You might think so, given the current tribal passions that sharply divide the country. Considering our political affiliations, sexual orientations, religious beliefs, and racial and ethnic backgrounds, I cannot think of another time in recent memory when people have been so pitted against each other. Well, I have some good news: there is nothing inevitable or hardwired about our specific prejudices or biases. In fact,recent neuroscience research suggests that tribalism is, to a great extent, socially constructed and that there is much that we can do as clinicians to combat the forces that divide us and our patients.

I came across this piece by Richard Friedman, a psychiatrist with Cornell medical center in NYC. I've always been of the opinion that tribalism--which is the root cause of bigotry, malignant nationalism, xenophobia, and so much hurtful human conflict--is hardwired into our brains. Dr. Friedman states it's largely a social construct, which can be overcome. I hope he's right. Tribalistic thinking is the most maladpative and destructive force in the modern world.

A worthwhile read for anyone interested. And brief. Only a page and a half.

Psychiatry Online

Worth reading. And consider that last sentence: "If we have learned anything about the nature of tribalism and bias, it is that humans can be easily encouraged and acculturated to fear—or tolerate—the Other. Perhaps there is hope for us." Then if you like, consider a profound way to end such prejudices through story illustrating fundamental things of life we all treasure: love between people:

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

“What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”

He answered, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ ; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ”

“You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
-------
Luke 10 NIV
(Jews and Samaritans were strongly prejudiced against each other)

 

[Ophiolite]

Is tribalism a problem in itself, or the selfish passions associated with it.

I should say that the selfish passions defined tribalism.

Then if you like, consider a profound way to end such prejudices through story illustrating fundamental things of life we all treasure: love between people:

The Tale of the Good Samaritan has always seemed to me, along with the Sermon on the Mount, to be a cornerstone of Christian ethics. It has puzzled me that many professed Christians seem to set those to one side when contemplating "others". It invokes quite a strong tribal reaction on my part. Hardwired? Perhaps not, but I think a propensity for it must exist, which circumstances can then either encourage or suppress.

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

Are humans destined to hate each other?

Or,
"the world loves its own"..... as long as someone remains separate from Jesus, the world loves them , and seeks to keep everyone separate from Jesus.

Different segments of the world might hate other segments, of course, but that might change every day

 

[caerlerion]

"the world loves its own"..... as long as someone remains separate from Jesus, the world loves them , and seeks to keep everyone separate from Jesus.

Stop making up lies like this.

Most non-Christians have no problem with Christians.

What non-Christians generally have a problem with are negative social aspects that are common (not universal) among Christian fundamentalists. Things like homophobia, misogyny, hypocrisy, and making up lies about non-Christians.

Did you notice you criticized tribalism of "the world"... by reinforcing the tribalism of fundamentalist Christianity?