Our world is currently in the middle of social unrest and racially charged tribalism. We have enabled the people we love to participate in divisive conversations that have now led to the prominence of white supremacy in mainstream media. Social platforms such as Facebook and Twitter have given a voice to thousands of white supremacists and other terrorists organizations throughout the world. Additionally, these platforms have helped cement white supremacy as a brand and given them a solid foundation to hold ground on. We also know that Facebook and Twitter host many online tribes, creating a haven for hate groups and terrorists to reach and galvanize their target audience (Daily Times, 2018).
Tribalism is nothing new to society. Abderlahim (2019) states a tribe’s definition as a common culture, belonging, loyalty, and group identity. Additional research shows that individuals have strong feelings of belonging and adherence to a tribe (Nothwehr & Haynes, 2008).
The domestic terrorist group, Proud Boys, are mostly using tribalism to recruit new members as the President of The United States has solidified their efforts and white supremacy. In a debate with Joe Biden (2020 Presidential Nominee), the president would not denounce white supremacy and further told the Proud Boys the following, “Proud Boys, Stand Back and Stand By.” By the president not denouncing white supremacy, the Proud Boys have created a more substantial foundation because they have become legitimized by the world’s most powerful leader. The Proud Boys are now able to use their platform to recruit vulnerable men and women who also feel marginalized from society. To put it into perspective, Isis is an example of a marginalized tribe that has taken their cause to social media outlets and have used these channels to distribute messages of hate to reach and recruit (Awan, 2017).
How do we get out of the cesspool? Many of us have participated with social media and have helped sustain its growth year over year. We have helped create a data mining and manipulative machine that is now working against our reality and truth. As Ian says in Jurassic Park, “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.”
As mentioned, Twitter and Facebook have helped propel misinformation and online tribalism to the likes we have never witnessed. We have never been here before. So where do we go?
References:
Abdelrahim, Y. M. S. (2019). Tribalism and corruption: Scale construction and explorations beyond national culture(Order No. 13895354). Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (2241846174). Retrieved from http://libproxy.usc.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest com.libproxy1.usc.edu/docview/2241846174?accountid=14749
Awan, I. (2017). Cyber-Extremism: Isis and the power of social media. Society, 54(2), 138–149. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12115-017-0114-0
Nothwehr, D. M., & Haynes, F. H. (2008). That they may be one: Catholic social teaching on racism, tribalism, and xenophobia. Orbis Books.
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