COMMENT:
Are you comfortable with the notion of "tribe?"
Do you feel you belong to a tribe?
Even if you are disconnected, by your looks, your accent or where you live, OTHER PEOPLE automatically place you with a tribe: are you aware of it? Do you fight it? Do you like it?
REPLY to a comment that describes an inner experience different from your own.
While the word "tribe" may put some off, it has some true meaning. People can more easily relate to others within their same tribes regardless of the situation. Personally, I feel that I do not belong to a tribe. This is primarily due to my disagreements with many that would fall under the same tribe as me, such as Dominican Catholics or even light-skinned Dominicans. While I relate to some, I do not fully agree with/relate to them. Despite this, I do not fight my automatic placement within a tribe. As some are guilty of placing me within a certain tribe, I am also guilty of doing the same to them.
ReplyDeletePeople are always going to have their own opinion of you and many others. While many people mind what they are or where they are placed at the end of the day you can't change the fact, might as well ignore it. I like that you don't "fight your placement within a tribe".
DeleteHenry,
DeleteI think we all in one way or another place others in a "tribe." I think it is human nature to do so. I like how you do not fight it nor really accept it. We are bound to have judgements ans stereotypes.
Hi Henry, while it should have been obvious I didn't actually think about the fact that we all are guilty of placing others into a tribe that they probably don't consider themselves to be apart of. I realize that I have done it many times whether it be in conversation or even in passing by looking at someones' face and assuming what culture, ethnicity or race they may be. I think it is important that even if approached with the notion of being apart of a group that we don't belong, that we politely correct the person but I agree with not fighting it.
DeleteYes, I'm comfortable with the notion of tribe because everyone has their own ethnic group or beliefs. People can do freely what they like. I don't feel like I belong to a tribe because everyone has a different point of view on beliefs and ideas. People that I think belongs to a tribe is a group of people that doesn't have an opinion and goes with majority. If people automatically places me in a tribe I don't think I'm aware of it and I wouldn't mind what people think because at the end of the day I know myself and it doesn't matter how people see me.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with the idea that everyone has their own ethnic beliefs and everyone can do what they want. However that just makes me think then the people who are putting me into a tribe in their minds are associated my beliefs with other beliefs that can be totally different. That is why I do not know if I would be so comfortable being put into a tribe by someone else
Deletei do agree with you but in some situation you have no choice but to follow the believes and rules that is in the ethnicity.
DeleteI don't think that you have to have the exact same mindset or beliefs to be in tribe. You can still have your own opinions and thoughts. I think tribes are more of a broader way of being in a group. I think it follows how you identify and how cultures are similar. Also, I think that being in tribe means that you are amongst those who are similar to you but not exactly the same.
DeleteI am comfortable with the notion of a Tribe. Everyone has their own ethnic group, religion, and or beliefs they have conformed to. I feel as though I fit in a "tribe" that shares the same religion as me. I would classify my church as my "tribe." We all practice the same religion, and have the same beliefs.
ReplyDeleteI agree that people place you automatically with a "tribe." Many outsides where I am from (small town in Maryland) do not know what an Italian is. Culture diversity is more common in NY, not so much MD. Their ignorance of the Italian culture often makes them label me as a biracial female. My dark tan skin is mistaken for biracial skin (African- American and Caucasian), but I have olive Italian skin. This has happened to me several times, so yes, without a doubt I think people assign us to "tribes" we do not fit. I do not fight it, but I do educate those who do not know any different.
I think I am quite comfortable with the notion of "tribe." I think that identity is important and belonging to a group even when referred to as a tribe is what gives a person their individual identity. Belonging to a tribe is what shapes a person whatever that tribe may be. I do believe that I belong to a tribe. For example, I would consider the Christian faith and those who are also christians' as part of my tribe. I also consider myself as part of a Caribbean tribe as people who are from different countries in the Caribbean do have a lot in common and similar views.
ReplyDeleteDespite the positives of being in a "tribe," there can also be some negative aspects of being in one especially when other people try to group you into a tribe that you don't think you belong in or that you believe limits you in a way. While I'm sure people have placed me into certain tribes based on how I look, act, or speak I am not really aware of what tribes they try to place me in. However, I'm sure I would be quite bothered by someone trying to force their own ideas of where I belong onto me but even so I wouldn't fight it because people are going to think what they want to think and unless what they are assuming is offensive to me or even the group they are putting me in i really don't see a need to fight it.
I agree with your thoughts and believe it is interesting how people make assumptions of what tribe you belong to without really knowing you. Unfortunately, in society that we live in today it won't stop as it became a habit. What matters the most, is for a person to be comfortable with where they are and who are they with.
DeleteI am not sure if I would say I’m comfortable with the notion of a tribe but there are a few true aspects to the idea of a tribe. I do believe that being part of a tribe means that you speak the same language, live in somewhat of a community, have the same religion and have the same ethnicity. I do think it’s true that most tribes do share many of what I listed but not all people who would be considered to be in the try would be comfortable everything that I listed. For example, I feel that I am part of a trial which is the Jewish tribe. But there are many Jewish people in this world and I don’t think I connect to all of them. I am an Orthodox Jew but many other Jesus worlds are or orthodox and I can’t relate to many of them. We do share the same religion and the same ethnicity and We might even show same language but we don’t Live in the same community. Many Jews are known for how they look or their accent but not all Jews have the stereotypical look the same or have the same accent. I am aware the people to place me in the tribe and sometimes I do want to fight it because I don’t think that we are all the same people just because we are from the same background does not mean that We’re all connected as much as he would want to be.
ReplyDeleteI understand what you're saying. The idea of a tribe is really wide. As we know humans are just so extremely different from one another even when we seem like we have a lot in common. A lot of it ends up being based on whether or not we decide to associate ourselves with one another
DeleteI think the notion of tribes are pretty dangerous. In the New York Times article the mixed race group considered themselves a tribe, (for background I'm "mixed" myself) theres a part in the article where one of the mixed race students gets mad that Obama didn't mark himself down as two races. The student went as far to say that they were "offended". It doesn't make any sense because the whole time the group says they welcome anyone, and they want people to have the ability to identify themselves. So why would they be so quick to be offended by Obama's choice. Secondly, I don't believe that being mixed race is a tribe. I am mixed race and I find that I often don't actually share anything in common with other mixed race people. Often times even the color of our skin is different. A lot of mixed people claim they feel conflicted or confused about their race, and I have never experienced that. Mixed can mean a ridiculously large amount of things. I also want to note that in the New York Times article it's mentioned that one woman was going to put her child up for adoption and then decided not to. The couple that was going to adopt requested, REQUESTED a mixed child. This distinction shows that when people think of mixed people that they're thinking about only skin color. Tribes can get extremely dangerous when we have a "tribe" like the klu klux klan. These people identify themselves as a group because they all hate black people, if that's all they have in common, then I could be in a tribe of women, or a tribe of people who wear rings, or a tribe of virtually anything. The idea of a tribe is one that is much more than just speaking the same language or coming from the same place. I'm well aware that people upon seeing me try to place me in a tribe, and to me I only see it as ignorant to do so, I also don't bother wasting time thinking about what other people try to label me as, because they can think whatever they want, as long as they don't bother me.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of tribes being "dangerous", it's interesting to me because I've never heard that before (which is why it caught my attention). I also have to agree that being in a mixed race doesn't mean it is a tribe. This all comes down to have society will place individuals in "tribes" because of specific features or how one's contribution to society effects the environment as a whole.
DeleteI believe I am comfortable with the notion of tribe because I think one’s identity comes from their respective “tribe”. Like many attributes such as religion and culture, the notion of tribe is certainly an aspect that categorizes a person. However, tribe is not, and should not, be the sole foundation that builds a person. Moreover, an individual may use the idea of “tribe” as a way to fit in society. Because we are social animals, it is a necessity for us to seek out individuals who are similar to us and follow groups in which we connect with to have a sense of belonging. It is human nature’s implicit perception of this notion that leads us to social conformity. In addition, some may argue this concept as negative because one does not have a true sense of self or may not have “free will”.
ReplyDeleteWhen presented with this question I didn't think about it the way you did. I felt that we find out the things that make us, "us" and then we see what tribe we identify with. Instead you bring up the notion that our identity comes from our tribe which is an interesting concept that I didn't think of, and to a certain extent I would have to agree with you. A lot of things about our identity are predetermined for us when we are kids and we grow up around this "tribe" setting and so these things shape and form our identity as you mentioned.
DeleteI am comfortable with the idea of a "tribe" as long as I personally believe I identify with that tribe. I feel a lot of the times society has a way in making you feel like you belong to a certain culture because of your looks or your accent maybe but it should not be the case. I do feel like I belong to a tribe being that Im Egyptian and very in tune with the arabic culture and the things that come along with it. Based off of the tests mentioned in the video as well, I do believe that if an arabic or muslim person faces racial injustice I feel affected and offended by it as well which would certify me to be placed within that tribe. A lot of the times people do place me into certain tribes that I personally wouldn't identify with too strongly but I am aware of it. In my case people would see my dark skin color and assume me to be of just african descent rather than middle eastern descent. I wouldn't say I dislike it or would fight it because I'm proud to be African American as well but I would just like to see more open mindedness from those who are quick to pass judgement.
ReplyDeleteI am very comfortable with the notion of a tribe. I happily identify as a part of the Jamaican tribe, and more broadly as a part of the tribe of Black people.
ReplyDeleteI feel as though I belong, even though sometimes I feel as if I've lost the Jamaican accent, or lost touch of the pop culture in Jamaica, since moving to America, I still revel in the victories of Jamaican people and I am more drawn towards them when it comes to building friendships.
As a part of the tribe of Black people, I feel a deep connection, whether it is black excellence, or if we are the victim of police brutality, I feel for them as a I would for my own brother or sister.
I would never fight against another person placing me in my tribe, because I know what I am, and I'm proud to be a member.
I am comfortable with notion of “tribe”. I believe that I belong to a tribe within the community that I live in. A tribe usually a feeling of sharing something essential as culture, religion, and geographical boundaries. The people that live in my building mostly celebrate the same holidays and share my native language, being Russian.
ReplyDeleteI am aware that I am often placed in a tribe which I do not belong to and I am totally okay with it. Often times, because of my appearance and accent, I get placed into a Russian category which isn’t my native country (Ukraine). Where I come from, people speak both Russian and Ukrainian because all countries in that area used to be part of a unit called USSR. Today, the USSR no longer exists leaving the countries to still speak similar languages. Therefore, I don’t take it offensive when I am placed within a different group because we all use to belong to one united nation.
So do you associate with everyone in your building although you guys celebrate similar holidays? or is only the people we associate with directly can be seen as part of our "tribe"?
DeleteI am comfortable with the notion of a tribe. Their or many African tribes. I for one don't think I belong to a "tribe" but I belong to the tribe of blackness I guess if that's considered a tribe. I do not have a Grenadian accent or anything but there are some cultural beliefs and things I do follow and believe in strongly.I believe as black people we fight everyday to protect our blackness and our heritage. No I don't want to have to fight because of the color of my skin and my culture but it is something we as African Americans must do.
ReplyDeleteIf you don't think you belong to a particular tribe what kind of cultural beliefs do you follow? I understand the struggles one might face to protect their heritage and I find it to be a very notable cause to fight for.
DeleteI eat some of the same food, celebrate carnival something that is very big in my island; but living in the U.S i feel like much of my cultural values aren't there anymore. It is important to understand culture changes over time and some cultural information/ values disappear and new habits replaces old habits.
Delete1) I am comfortable with the notion of tribe because the word doesn’t have a negative connotation. As we view society, people are split into groups by their ethnicity, religion, geographical regions, and cultures. Even within sub groups people are split into different categories. It’s the way society works. I don’t think identifying in a tribe is a bad thing. As humans we are one tribe. Personally for me, I am an Arab American from Palestine and I identify as one. So I am in a tribe. I wear the hijab so I am also a Muslim. I am connected to a tribe by ethnicity and religion. the only thing that would make tribes a negative on society and the way it works is if tribes begin to turn on each other and stop accepting one another based off culture, religion and ethnicity. Unfortunately, this does happen, racial discrimination has been a problem in the world for hundreds of years. However, this occurred due to an ideology not the formation of tribes.
ReplyDeleteI am not comfortable with the notion of "tribe". To me, a "tribe" is a certain group of a larger population that differentiates itself from others in that population. Not differentiates itself from others of other cultures. I also feel that it should not be used to describe a particular ethnic group or groups. As much as I am not comfortable with the notion of "tribe" I feel that I belong to a tribe, that being an Ashkenaz Jew. I am aware that other people automatically place me as being Jewish. I do not fight it, but I do try and help them understand what kind of Jew I am specifically. Especially since the term "Jew" is a very broad description.
ReplyDeleteMichal, I understand what you mean when you say you're not so comfortable with the term "tribe." As a Sephardic Jew, I wish people knew that all Jews are not exactly the same and that we have different cultures and backgrounds.
DeleteI wouldn't call myself apart of tribe, rather I would say I'm apart of a community. I feel that a community has a sense of closeness that I like. I feel connected to them because I don't have to know them personally, ignorer to have a connection with them. We all know each other on way or another, especially by face. I love it, and I think its beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI like the term tribe because it feels more close-knit. My tribe or community is huge but we all know each other and have each others' backs. People do not usually know what tribe I am from based on my looks but I'm always proud to share my "tribe."
ReplyDelete