The Nature of Tribalism and Differentiating Between Good and Bad Tribes

Tribalism is innate in human beings, and it is expected that individuals will display tribal tendencies towards various groups they are affiliated with, like professions, cities, or sports teams. While tribalism cannot be eradicated, it can be channeled positively towards good tribes such as civic organizations and religions. On the other hand, ideological tribes are considered bad tribes. People tend to idealize their tribes, but it is crucial not to attribute essential characteristics to these groups. Politically, individuals may naturally be tribal, but it is essential not to fool oneself into believing that all aspects of a political party are interconnected. Instead, political parties should be seen as unrelated bundles of issues, similar to random selections of groceries. It is a mistake to try to fit every issue under a single ideological umbrella, as this can lead to self-deception and justification for inconsistent beliefs.