My Tribe Is Humanity.

           Most people will openly condemn tribalism, but somehow a considerable number will embrace nationalism, which really is just a bigger tribalism. Nationalism, like tribalism needs to believe that its people are different, and in some way superior to other people outside its proclaimed territory. It also sees others as enemies and a threat to its perceived superior ways and culture. In the face of these “differences” the tribe/nation will always see itself on the higher moral ground. This proclamation of being different denies the existence of the common humanity, that golden thread that should link us all together. The existence of tribalism/nationalism is always a useful tool in the armoury of the wealthy and powerful elite within that given territory, as they can always call on the tribe to defend the elite’s privileges by citing an attack on our, “superior way of life” by “the other”.
         No matter the stupidity and destructiveness of tribalism/nationalism, we all carry some responsibility for its persistence, by our quiet acquiescence. We empower the elite, privileged cabal that fosters and gains from this illusion, by indulging in their voting pantomime, we finance them with our taxes, and many fall in line to fight their territorial wars.
       Embracing tribalism/nationalism is abandoning your individuality, and at the same time your commonality with the rest of humanity, and discarding your right to freedom of choice. At the same time you are endorsing a system of barriers between people, placing people on a scale of divisions according to their territory and culture. Our tribe is humanity, we are all human, we need each other if we are to survive and create that better world for all. We have to bring down the barriers, abandon tribalism/nationalism and make our borders evaporate. This will only happen when we finally destroy capitalism, the economic system that fosters and thrives on these divisions.

 

 Patriotism.

No, I shall not die for the fluttering flag,

if truth be known, ’tis nothing but a multi-coloured rag

held aloft by some foolish hand

inciting worker and peasant to kill

on some green and wooded hill,

peasant and worker from some other land.

Nor shall I shed blood for the fluttering rag

that brings out fools to stand and brag

of brutal deeds painted grand,

deeds where rustic and craftsman lie so still

killed by my brothers' misguided hand.

No allegiance have I for the Nation

this man made autocratic creation

that divides my brothers in a world so small,

binds us to a country's cause, right or wrong,

bids us follow its drum, sing its song,

then sheds our blood in some border brawl.

No, I'll be no slave to flag or nation,

have no ear for power oration,

though its iron heel is on my breast,

my back feels its leather thong,

at patriotism's barracoon, I'll be no guest.

Visit ann arky's home at radicalglasgow.me.uk