I
can't remember where I saw that idea first expressed, but I think about it
often.
It's a
basic human need to want to belong to a tribe.
From an anthropological standpoint it was essential. Those that belonged survived. Those that didn't...
Myers-Briggs
norms tell us that the majority of people (59.8% ) care more about
relationships than task. And if you add
the people who have only a moderate preference for task, you can see that it is
fair to say that most people want to belong to a tribe to at least some extent.
Source:
Myers-Briggs norms - 1972 - 2002
So
what does this mean?
I was
watching a late night news show a few months back and author Ken Stern was
discussing his new book Republican Like
Me, when he starting singing National
Brotherhood Week - a Tom Lehrer song - about everyone hating each
other. Since it was written in 1967, I
hadn't thought about it in a while. So I
was amazed at how prescient it now seems.
But then again I have been having 60's flashbacks ever since Donald Trump
started winning Republican primaries.
In
case you want a refresher here's a video of Tom performing the song...
There
has been some speculation that the Internet has created an even stronger need
to belong to a tribe. We see all these
people having such a great time on Facebook and Instagram and we want to be one
of them. Hence the concern about
individual thinking being negated by group think.
Since
one way we express allegiance to the tribe is by wearing similar clothing. I surveyed my predominately Gen Z class to
see if they were willing to advertise their affiliations in public. You can read their thoughts here...
Bottom
line - yes. They even mention buying new
clothes to be part of the NYC tribe. And
trying to find a beverage at Starbucks they like in order to fit in. Only one student in 25 shared my opinion that
companies should pay me if they want me to be a walking billboard for
them. Maybe that's a Baby Boomer thing.
But I
can't help thinking that once you have bought an item that broadcasts your
association with a tribe, you are far less likely to disown them if they do
something that is inconsistent with your personal beliefs.
Which
brings me back to the original question - Is there any individual thought
anymore, or is it all tribal?
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