Words have meaning and the use of them in society can be harmful to communities. Early last year with the new Administration and 115thCongress that is now led by the Republican Party the terms “Tribal and Tribalism” have been used to describe their actions. The press uses them in a derogatory way. This is offensive to millions of Americans and yet the press continues to use this term with no regard to that offense. It’s like using the term “crazy” to describe this country’s 45thPresident. (for another post)
The word Tribal means the state or fact of being organized in a tribe or tribes. To millions in this country being a member of a tribe is an honor. It is also the definition of who they are and the clear explanation of their very being. Tribes are a social division in a traditional society consisting of families or communities linked by social, economic, religious, or blood ties, with a common culture and dialect, typically having a recognized leader. Researchers describe Tribes as developmentally, economically, and/or historically, a social group existing outside of or before the development of states.A tribe is a group of distinct people, dependent on their land for their livelihood, who are largely self-sufficient, and not integrated into the national society.
There is nothing derogatory about belonging to a tribe or being tribal. It amazes me how the press uses terms in such harmful ways. These are people whose craft it is to manipulate language as a function of communication. Yet many of them use terminology and the process of repetition as a way to implant their ideas as correct. This can and is done by all those who are providing good independent news and those who have a twist whether it be “progressive” (I use that term loosely- another post) or conservative.
Such as many conservative writers continue to make light of the horrific killing of Black and Brown people by law enforcement.
They continue to say the “All Lives Matter” disrespecting the imperative and important work of the “Black Live Matter” movement. These conservative writers don’t believe they are being disrespectful as well as racist. But they are and it should stop.
I have read many articles and listened to the political commentary discuss the Republican Party’s lack of ability to stand up to the White House as tribalism. They use the term as if it is a synonym for sectarianism which is an excessive attachment to a party. The use of this term in a derogatory way is disrespectful for millions of tribal nations throughout our country (Native Americans). It is also offensive to the many people of color in our country who attribute their culture’s existence in the social context and meaning of the term tribal. It is through tribes that many of these societies exist. They are continuously fighting the racist horrific conditions of their community. To be a part of a socially conscious and spiritually connected community is in no way the same as the game being played by Republican politicians. The press should be more respectful of these terms and just depict these actions correctly.
The lack of Republican Party members ability to say that many of the things being done by this Administration are homophobic, misogynistic, religiously discriminatory and racist, as well as marginalizing the poor is what you call cowards. Now there is a term that is fit for the action. A coward is a person who lacks the courage to do or endure dangerous or unpleasant things. Tribes and Tribalism are respectful thriving groups of people who function together to create a society.
It amazes me that people who make a living writing and using words can’t find a better term to use. They think because they keep saying the term over and over again makes it right. We have a leader of the free world who usually speaks in adjectives. His inability to clearly communicate can be frustrating but the press is supposed to be better at this right? When will they respect people’s culture and stop using terms that harm the functions of thriving communities. Remember WMD – “Weapons of Mass Destruction”? That was a lie and no matter how often it was said it seems that we are still searching for the WMD in Iraq. Do better, respect people and their history.
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