[Kyle]

Originally Posted by Stu

Tribalism is something that seemingly mutates as we do. As cultures and technologies become increasingly sophisticated tribalism denatures from it's more obvious expressions into more insidious forms. So it's different for all parts of the globe really. Some parts of the world still have very obvious incarnations of hunter gatherer tribalism whilst here in the Western world it is trickier to pinpoint but still existent under our hoods.

Street gangs are an expression of tribalism. To an extent churches can be an expression of tribalism. Tribalism has even transformed to find a place in consumerism when you think about it. Marketing and advertising create tribalism between different classes and aesthetics. Bob has an Xbox and Billy has a PlayStation. My dad has a suit and your dad has a shitty car that can barely run.

In the modern world it's less of a physically damaging, violent tribalism. Instead it's a tribalism of the ego. The end result still involves our base carnal nature prevailing. Egos set against each other, bodies set against each other. Seperation. The animal as individual, individual as animal.

Like I alluded to in my first post I have cultivated a vague set of beliefs that tell me this is not our end goal nor is it the true nature of the universe.

Absolutely.

As a species we have done very little to rid ourselves of this social group mentality where we stick within our own micro communities and can be distrusting toward outsiders.

A good example of pack mentality is at football matches. People in large groups tend to find the bar of acceptable behaviour seems to drop and no longer being 'alone' and vulnerable often gives them a platform for bravado and thuggery.