Tribal Solutions For Post Modern Problems

[mustafabey]

In my research into the lives of my ancestors,the Western Cherokee and in my time spent with the Beni Rguibat nomads of the western Sahara I have learned many things. I have always been drawn to the problem solutions of a tribal culture. Unlike our individual based culture,the tribal unit operates as a whole entity. Today, we hear much about the legacy we are leaving to our children and grandchildren. Conservatives are concerned about the mounting debt that will be inherited by the next generations. Progressives see our misuse of the planet and its resources as leaving a dangerous legacy for future generations. We pollute water supplies,upset natural balances and destroy cultures for profit. We manufacture weapons systems we can't pay for,use our financial resources to influence and buy both individuals and nations. Our addiction to credit has caused all of us from the nation-state to the individual to live above our means.
In tribal units, decisions were made by a council of elders. Usually it represented the whole group. Status was attained by redistributing wealth, not hoarding it. And decisions were made by considering what the impact would have on future generations. Not just our children but children as far as the seventh generation. As we move forward technologically,perhaps we should consider these future generations.
Recently, for example,Youngstown,Ohio had an earthquake. The cause seemed to be the pumping of waste water from hydraulic fracturing gas well drilling,far under the surface. Of course,as is so common in today's society, the gas company issued a denial. Spin and lie has replaced truth. It happens everywhere you look, from the Penn State pedophile to these corporate giants. From presidents to presidential candidates. People interviewed in Youngstown stated that the gas boom brought jobs and stimulated the economy and earthquakes and pollution were either denied or accepted as the price to pay. Is this any way to solve a problem?

[Venger]

Tribalism like many systems such as communism, extended family (Amish) or even Anarchy only work on a small scale. The lager the system the more complex and the greater risk of abuse.
Ray

[Rani]

I'm pretty much convinced civilization and everything that comes with it is killing us. And we're taking the planet down with us.

'Rani

[gramps]

It does seem sometimes that civilization is going down the drain,
but I guess that's better than coming back up out of the drain.

[headhunter]

[quote name='Venger' timestamp='1328018322' post='537196']
Tribalism like many systems such as communism, extended family (Amish) or even Anarchy only work on a small scale. The lager the system the more complex and the greater risk of abuse.
Ray
[/quote]
This is completely true. look at examples of all types of systems.
Capitalism-is ruled by the people with the most money. and the only way to become one of these people is to take advantage of others. On the up side everyone has freedom of choice and the govt doesnt touch the economy at all--of course the United States is a good example but not perfect (below)
Communism-supposed to be a collective of people working together as one, where everyone works that is able and has everything they need, but they have no choice--China at the moment is the only country large enough at the moment to take as an example. Yes they are doing extremely well but this is because they have taken money from the savings of its workers to fuel the Economy, like our stimulus but x10.
Socialism- one of my teachers put this perfectly "the red headed step child of Capitalism and Communism" which it is. It combines both and takes most of the good from both-Canada at the moment is the only country that i know of that has something even close to this (Correct me if im wrong please) and yes it works, but its a struggle from what i have seen/heard

All in all, none of these exist in pure form, never have and never will. Its impossible because in order to achieve, in order to do this you must take away some human nature. and unless a major event happens i dont see a change. but thats just me