Tribalism and the Psychology of Fascists.

As I'm sure many of you are aware, tribalism is very much a part of our current psychological makeup. This is thanks to our limited evolution since our hunter gatherer days, indeed our tools and technology have outpaced our psychological or mental capacities over the millennia.

Tribal characteristics were very useful to us once upon a time, it helped us identify common threats and preserve and protect our own community. It made sure our gene pool wasn't interfered with by outsiders and made sure our right to mate wasn't at risk. Its actual use in modern society is generally suppressed, although it can rise to the fore given certain catalysts or socioeconomic situations. For example, if a particularly marginalised sector of society feels threatened by 'outsiders'. If they feel their ability to support their communities or provide for their loved ones is at risk, then these dormant traits may manifest in some way.

The thing with tribal traits is they exonerate the tribe at the detriment of all others. That is, everything the tribe does is right and everything outsiders do is wrong. To this end, the truth is indeed a matter of perspective, and can be distorted to suit the interests and agenda of the social group. This can happen either consciously or unconsciously. Indeed, if a member of the opposing group does something good, it will be considered 'lucky' while if a member of the tribe achieves the same feat, it must be due to skill and ability.

Racism is one very obvious way in which tribalism has carried through to modern society. In fact, any discrimination towards one specific social group by another stems from this same root. Generally the better educated members of society have the capacity to look beyond and regulate these traits, but many do not. Particularly if it gives them popularity or increased acceptance by their social group. Which is indeed why this outdated characteristic has stayed with us, as it maintains some function obviously to our benefit.

The funny thing about this behaviour is that it will pick and choose information that supports the standpoint of the tribe. Facts that oppose the view are rejected or often explained in a way that might seem hilarious to outsiders, but are believed as gospel by those in the social group.

This is very well illustrated in the video below. Some members of a particular right wing group in the USA had DNA tests done to ascertain their genetic heritage. Their response to the results of this test should prove interesting, and go some way to support the views I have outlined above.