Should those of us who live in a modern cosmopolitan metropolis encapsulating a wide conglomeration of ethnic origins, religions and associated cultures, and skin colours, behave as if we are bonded more by tribalism than by citizenship?
Whether Early Man had been created as ‘the Adam’ by the Anunnaki from planet Nibiru to work their gold mines, as claimed by Zachariah Sitchin, based on his reading of Sumerian writings, or had evolved in the jungle from chimpanzees (the genetic difference being apparently about 1.4%), would it not be likely that these proto-humans clustered together, for safety, efficiency in gathering and then in hunting, and mutual comfort?
This is to suggest that protecting the group which lives and moves together is the primordial bond between members oF the group. Prior to the establishment of that relationship, one would expect the display of that instinctive bond between genetically related individuals.
Beyond the individualism of the nations of the West, it would seem that the tribal bond underpins the communalism of Asia – and other geographical regions. The bond is strengthened by a shared religion and associated rituals, cultural values and practices. Yet, this bond can be fragmented by caste (some concealed), class, and doctrinal religious differences.
Just as the male lion kills the cubs birthed within his pride but sired by males which had preceded him, so tribal pride in human societies opposes miscegenation (marriage outside the tribe). This may be associated with disparaging labels and comments about selected attributes of the other tribes. Anyone who has lived long enough to observe a culturally mixed population over time, or the admixture of cultures in modern times through immigration, can testify to the reality of pejorative (often casual) comments about others ‘not like us.’
Although the White Australia policy has been officially buried, emanations from the grave can fuse with inherited ethno-cultural prejudice. So what? Prejudice is a very human attribute; is there anyone live who has not, ever, felt an antipathy towards someone – a sibling, a fellow student, a foreign accent or even food or clothing style? When one chooses to live within an admixture of tribes, could one then claim to have a right to be sensitive to pejorative comments, utterances, and throw-away remarks? Is there a need to be thin-skinned?
What happened to self-confidence based on pride in one’s inheritance? Instead of going around saying “Ah! Woe is me,” how about standing tall, while ignoring the yobbo (who can be found everywhere)?
RAJA ARASA RATNAM 