Debating tribalism; seriously.

[Cinque Mtume]

I have to agree, James Dahl was spot on.

[LaY-D_LicK]

I think there is too much focus paid to the symptoms (Somalis faith in and reliance on clan) rather than the disease (Somalis lack of faith in government institutions and national unity).

Let's face it, successive governments have failed Somalis, and time and again the only thing that has helped ordinary Somalis was their clan. When the drought struck, the government did nothing, only the clans helped their kinsmen. When war ravaged Mogadishu people sought out their clan and were helped, they knew they would get no help from the government.

There is basically no incentive to trust the government and endorse national interests over clan interests, since the government not only does not legitimately represent the nation but they care nothing for its people. Until that changes, society will never change.

Tribalism can be used in a positive way ...

Somaliland has a Down Up Approach when it comes to politics and the President is answerable to the Tribal elders of SomaliLand ...

The Tribal Elders represent all The Clans from Somaliland ...

and they are there to safe guard each clan and make sure they are represented ...

It can be used in a positive way ...

But You have a good point ..

[Avicenna]

Its usually the weak & the feeble minded who engage in tribalism. The desire to belong, to feel like being a part of something exclusive, while rejecting everyone else. For the same reason some join gangs, frats, groups, some feel the need to cling on to the names of their dead ancestors (you'd think for self-preservation, but its rather for security). Its also very natural, may not be applicable in our current environments, but its a reality. One can love his or her clan, but at what cost? At the cost of sounding like a buffoon? Typing behind a computer, rarely if ever contributing to causes to help the clans one supports, while insulting people one has never met? Hating people one has never laid eyes on? Blindly supporting thugs & goons, simply out of clan loyalty? When does a person learn to distinguish between himself/herself and another individual? Personal accountability? Its a cover for many ailments i.e. inferiority complex, social anxieties and a host of other social maladaptive disorders.

[LaY-D_LicK]

Its usually the weak & the feeble minded who engage in tribalism. The desire to belong, to feel like being a part of something exclusive, while rejecting everyone else. For the same reason some join gangs, frats, groups, some feel the need to cling on to the names of their dead ancestors (you'd think for self-preservation, but its rather for security). Its also very natural, may not be applicable in our current environments, but its a reality. One can love his or her clan, but at what cost? At the cost of sounding like a buffoon? Typing behind a computer, rarely if ever contributing to causes to help the clans one supports, while insulting people one has never met? Hating people one has never laid eyes on? Blindly supporting thugs & goons, simply out of clan loyalty? When does a person learn to distinguish between himself/herself and another individual? Personal accountability? Its a cover for many ailments i.e. inferiority complex, social anxieties and a host of other social maladaptive disorders.