Tribalism

Stephen Downes writes, "I have met the enemy and it is Tribalism." He quotes John Udell,

"Tribalism is an aspect of human nature, so it must once have served a purpose, but it no longer does. It's a piece of evolutionary baggage that we can no longer afford to carry around. I don't know if we can let go of it, but we had better at least try."

Questions to ask students:
1. What does the word "tribalism" mean?
2. Is there any way that "tribalism" influences life at school? How?
3. Evaluate the costs and benefits of tribalism.
4. You could ask students to draw a graphic depiction of the tribal structures within your school. Then ask them to explain how these connections extend beyond the school walls, beyond the community, beyond the state, beyond the nation. Where are the connections strongest? Why?
5. What would be the costs and benefits be of loosening the connections at the local level and strengthening them at national and international levels? Would it be possible to do this?

Just some thoughts in response to a very smart blogger.