Human beings are tribal by nature, thriving in communities built on mutual care, shared responsibility, and collective purpose. This instinct for connection is deeply ingrained, yet modern society has corrupted and exploited it, turning it into a tool for division and control. Instead of uniting us with the people around us, today’s tribalism is abstract and artificial, centered on political ideologies, brands, or movements that often isolate us from genuine human connection. This manipulation dehumanizes the vulnerable, especially the homeless, while devaluing everyone who fails to conform to rigid societal norms.
In its purest form, tribalism ensures no one is left behind. In traditional societies, a tribe provided support beyond the nuclear family, stepping in to help those who struggled. Today, the nuclear family is expected to bear this burden alone, often with devastating consequences. When families fail—whether through abuse, neglect, or rejection—there is no safety net. Many homeless individuals, for example, come from broken homes or were cast out due to addiction, mental health issues, or being LGBTQ+. Instead of offering compassion, society blames them, perpetuating cycles of trauma and neglect.
The conservative ideology of “personal responsibility” compounds this problem. It frames success and failure as entirely individual, ignoring the systemic and environmental factors that shape people’s lives. Homelessness, addiction, and poverty are treated as moral failings rather than symptoms of a broken system. This mindset criminalizes poverty while ignoring its root causes, leaving the most vulnerable to suffer in isolation.
Even basic survival is restricted. Modern laws make it impossible for people to live off the land through hunting or gathering, further disconnecting individuals from self-sufficiency. Society has created conditions where humans must conform to unnatural systems—jobs, housing markets, and social norms—or be discarded. This dehumanization doesn’t just affect the homeless; it erodes the dignity of everyone by reducing people to their productivity or adherence to arbitrary standards.
Reclaiming tribalism offers a way forward. True tribalism is about real relationships, rooted in empathy and shared responsibility. It prioritizes connection with family, friends, and neighbors, creating communities that support their members and value every individual’s humanity. By rebuilding these bonds, we can address the systemic neglect that leaves so many behind.
This isn’t about rejecting progress or individualism but about finding balance. Humans thrive when they feel seen and supported, and a society built on authentic tribal bonds ensures no one is left behind. Homelessness would be met with compassion and solutions, not blame. Families and communities would step in where systems fall short, and every person’s dignity would be respected.
Tribalism isn’t the problem—it’s the key to creating a more compassionate, equitable society. By reclaiming it from those who exploit and distort it, we can build stronger, more connected communities where everyone belongs.