Tribalism in politics, religion, and baseball

It feels like our society is more divided than at any other point in my recollection. As November 5 approaches, I am filled with uncertainty, not about whom to vote for, but about how our country will survive the possible consequences of this election. I'm not going to tell you how I think you should vote. If you know me, that should be obvious. If you don't, then please comment below or get in touch with me via Facebook and we can have a long discussion about it. The object of this post is not to promote a particular candidate or party, but to examine the phenomenon of what I'll call "tribalism" in our society, especially as it is expressed in politics, religion, and baseball.

Let me start with perhaps the least controversial of the three: baseball. As many of you know, I am a lifelong, diehard fan of the New York Mets, who recently ended their amazing season and postseason at the hands of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Being of the philosophical bent that I am, I have pondered over the years why I am a Mets' fan and what exactly does that mean. My usual explanation is that I have always been a Mets' fan, my family of upbringing were Mets' fans and my parents were Brooklyn Dodgers' fans who embraced the new National League team, which appeared on the scene a few years after the Dodgers left. I was too young to understand this at the time, but according to my parents, there was no way that they were going to start rooting for the Yankees. To give my parents the ethical benefit of the doubt, I think I can attribute at least part of their fervor for the Brooklyn Dodgers to Branch Rickey and his signing of Jackie Robinson in 1945 to facilitate the end of the color barrier in Major League Baseball.

Now some fifty-five years after the Miracle Mets amazed the world with a World Championship in 1969 (which I vaguely remember) and fifty-one years after the Mets lost in the 1973 World Series to the Oakland A's (which I painfully remember), I cannot claim any moral high ground in my decision to remain a steadfast fan. Is it because the colors of royal blue and orange form the most beautiful palette from among the thirty MLB team designs? Is it because I am fond of certain players -- players who may change from one season to the next and may even be playing for the Yankees or Dodgers next year? Is it because I have always lived in New York? Then why don't I feel the same way about the Yankees? (I don't.) Is it because Mr. and Mrs. Met are the coolest mascots in all of sportsdom? I don't think it's any of those reasons. I think it's probably just tribalism.

So if I'm a Mets' fan because I've always been a Mets' fan, and my family of upbringing were Mets' fans, does the same apply to my choices of political party affiliation and religion? Yes and no. While it is correct that my political party and religion align closely with that of my late parents, I investigated other religions, before finally settling on the same one that my parents promoted to my brother and me when we were kids. Am I open to changing my religion? Probably. If a deity revealed himself or herself to me I am likely to accept that revelation, once I've scrutinized the evidence and convinced myself that it is not mere fancy or mental illness at work. Do I think it's a coincidence that most people adhere to the religion of their parents, just as I have? No, certainly not. I believe that tribalism is the primary reason that most folks end up either Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Zoroastrian, etcetera, etcetera... Of course there are many converts; I know some personally. I've written multiple blogposts about my own religious views and background so I don't think it's necessary to elaborate here. If you're curious, you can message me and we can discuss it further. 

My parents, especially my father, certainly influenced my political outlook, but I'd like to think that I make my decisions on whom to vote for after much research, introspection, and soul-searching. As we face a presidential election of great consequence, I've given much thought to both candidates, and continue to be amazed that the race is as close as it is. How a thinking, feeling person can stomach the other candidate is beyond my comprehension, but I believe that tribalism, prejudice and a lack of critical reasoning are contributing factors in why many people, including some whom I know and love, will be voting for the other person. I will cast my vote on November 5 and encourage you to do the same, and please, try to think a little "outside the tribe" at this critical time in our democracy.