Tribalism

[Ratnat]

I would love to have a discussion on studies surrounding tribalism. There are a couple of threads in other forums which touch on the subject...one on witches in Africa and another on natural societies but do not focus on tribalism per se.

Many anthropologists now believe humans are naturally tribal and even in large modern society we still tend to form "tribes" in a sense. This "tribal mentality" is also found among many primates as well as other species.

I will leave it here for now to see if there is any interest in discussing further.

[FreezBee]

I would love to have a discussion on studies surrounding tribalism. There are a couple of threads in other forums which touch on the subject...one on witches in Africa and another on natural societies but do not focus on tribalism per se.

Many anthropologists now believe humans are naturally tribal and even in large modern society we still tend to form "tribes" in a sense. This "tribal mentality" is also found among many primates as well as other species.

I will leave it here for now to see if there is any interest in discussing further.

Good topic

It indeed does look as if we humans tend to form tribes: atheists, theists; creationists, evolutionists. In particular fans of football clubs appear to have every bit of tribal characteristic.


- FreezBee

[Ratnat]

Good topic

It indeed does look as if we humans tend to form tribes: atheists, theists; creationists, evolutionists. In particular fans of football clubs appear to have every bit of tribal characteristic.


- FreezBee

I knew you would stop by.

I think that tribal mentality is also the main reason for sectarianism within religions as well.

The implications do not bode well for future global peace.lol

[FreezBee]

I knew you would stop by.

I think that tribal mentality is also the main reason for sectarianism within religions as well.

If that is tribalism

The implications do not bode well for future global peace.lol

No it doesn't, and that may be a really serious problem. I mean, Muslims are required by the Qur'an to spread Islam, and Christians are required by the Bible to spread Christianity, but we can't all be both (by definition), so a recipe for a WW III?


- FreezBee

[Ratnat]

If that is tribalism



No it doesn't, and that may be a really serious problem. I mean, Muslims are required by the Qur'an to spread Islam, and Christians are required by the Bible to spread Christianity, but we can't all be both (by definition), so a recipe for a WW III?


- FreezBee

Well that is why sectarianism may be a good thing...

[Paintbucket]

Well, people like to associate with one another from similar backgrounds. Tribal religions have many differences from the religions of today. In a sense, I admire the tribal religions and their simplicity much more than the institutions of religion today. I don't think that we're all going to die though soon. I think we'll make it. Surely we'll figure out a way to make it work.

[Ratnat]

Well, people like to associate with one another from similar backgrounds. Tribal religions have many differences from the religions of today. In a sense, I admire the tribal religions and their simplicity much more than the institutions of religion today. I don't think that we're all going to die though soon. I think we'll make it. Surely we'll figure out a way to make it work.

By definition, wouldn't all religions be tribal if humans are tribal?

What do you think is the difference between religions of today and tribal religions, specifically?

[Nicholas]

By definition, wouldn't all religions be tribal if humans are tribal?

What do you think is the difference between religions of today and tribal religions, specifically?

I think he's referring to indigineous religions. Just some input here, it's a common misconception that indigenous religions are somehow more simple than modern religions. I'd suggest looking about the island of Bali, for centuries they have used a system of temples and shrines to allocate water to the certain fields at a certain time. At one point westerners convinced them to abandon the system, everything collapsed because everyone was trying to grow their fields at the same time and grow as much as possible. They went back to the traditional way and everything returned to normal. It is really quite fascinating, I'll try to start a thread in here on it when I get a chance (it's finals week...)

[FreezBee]

Well that is why sectarianism may be a good thing...

You mean ... as in keeping to our own?

[FreezBee]

I think he's referring to indigineous religions. Just some input here, it's a common misconception that indigenous religions are somehow more simple than modern religions. I'd suggest looking about the island of Bali, for centuries they have used a system of temples and shrines to allocate water to the certain fields at a certain time. At one point westerners convinced them to abandon the system, everything collapsed because everyone was trying to grow their fields at the same time and grow as much as possible. They went back to the traditional way and everything returned to normal. It is really quite fascinating, I'll try to start a thread in here on it when I get a chance (it's finals week...)

Yes, indigenous religions should not be underestimated.

[Paintbucket]

To an extent Rat, that's probably true. I'm not underestimating tribal religions either, some are pretty complex.

The religions of today are very institutional. Basically, tribal religions are very simple, with simple views on God and the sort. This link is better than I can do at explaining it.

http://faculty.smcm.edu/ccraney/rest..._Evolution.pdf

[Ratnat]

I think he's referring to indigineous religions. Just some input here, it's a common misconception that indigenous religions are somehow more simple than modern religions. I'd suggest looking about the island of Bali, for centuries they have used a system of temples and shrines to allocate water to the certain fields at a certain time. At one point westerners convinced them to abandon the system, everything collapsed because everyone was trying to grow their fields at the same time and grow as much as possible. They went back to the traditional way and everything returned to normal. It is really quite fascinating, I'll try to start a thread in here on it when I get a chance (it's finals week...)

I think the term tribal is going to cause confusion...

The anthropological term has no connection to any particular tribe or set of customs but is meant as far as organization and mindset. As I noted, tribalism occurs among primates and other species as a social construct.

All religions were once indigineous. I agree with your comments on common misconceptions.

I look forward to your thread on the particulars in Bali.

[Nicholas]

I think the term tribal is going to cause confusion...

The anthropological term has no connection to any particular tribe or set of customs but is meant as far as organization and mindset. As I noted, tribalism occurs among primates and other species as a social construct.

All religions were once indigineous. I agree with your comments on common misconceptions.

I look forward to your thread on the particulars in Bali.

I was also trying to prevent any confusion, I'm trying to make good use of my anthropology minor right here.

I'll get to the thread when I have a chance, maybe later today.

[Ratnat]

You mean ... as in keeping to our own?

No.

I mean the way groups tend to divide into smaller groups when then become large.

[FreezBee]

No.

I mean the way groups tend to divide into smaller groups when then become large.

Because there's a limit to tribe size?

(And thanks for your clarification )