“The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself.”
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The sentiement, but not the quote, came to mind in last month’s programme on Conscientious Objectors on Beeb 4.
Without the ‘tribes’ would individuals no longer exist? For without sameness, difference cannot be.
Oooh that sound deep and prophetic. :o)
@Lynn: Didn’t see the prog, but yes, must be one hellva principle to stick to in the face of public opinion. Not that I rate public opinion – no surprises there, then. ;)
@Sophie: I guess we’d all have to be not only different but unique. I guess the tribe thing is such a strong desire coz individuality is too scary for most?
I think we need to dig deeper. The tribe does not have an opinion.
Certain powerful groups who influence the tribe and who might have different opinions to other powerful groups within the tribe will try to make their opinion be the predominant opinion of the tribe.
These groups will always be self-interested. The tribe will be manipulated to adopt an opinion which may be to the disadvantage of the tribe as a whole.
The individual may suffer from the opinions of these groups until he gains the support of other self-interested groups.
The individual may own himself but survival will entail co-operation and compromise.
Yup, you’re right Julie, and I believe it reinforces the sentiment that one needs to be true to oneself when all these tribes are shouting to see who can be loudest – sounds like there’s a definition of madness in there somewhere. :)