The civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s argued that racism was based on ignorance, fear and hate. Supporters argued that, as the races came in closer contact with each other, ignorance and fear would give way to understanding. However, in my opinion and the opinion of others, there is still much racial tension in our nation. I, on the other hand, would argue that what has happened in the United States is a transformation from racism to tribalism. While racism implies a certain hatred for other races expressed in actions, tribalism is more a nepotism in terms of race.
Tribalism is literally the practice of being tribal.
By no means does this imply that they are racist or hate other races. While tribalism is certainly not as proactive or as aggressive as racism, I believe it can result in some of the same degrading effects on our society. Tribalism promotes a lack of integration among races, magnifying rather than minimizing the differences that already exist between them. We, here at IMSA, are witnesses to the constructs and effects of tribalism. We can see the constant shifting that occurs on campus between peoples of different races and note the negative effects of tribalism.