The Retreat To Tribalism Analysis

Humanity as we know it is tearing itself to pieces, very small and isolated pieces. It has been an obvious problem over the past years. Our society is separated in majority by two groups, those who are fighting to keep society as we know it from falling apart, and those who are simply fighting. I feel as if now, more than ever in my lifetime, we are all isolated into separate groups, or even as individuals, as opposed to working together to work towards what is best. The most popular controversial topics currently in our country are split right down the middle, you're on one side or the other. This has left the whole country split in two. Humanity is becoming isolated into small groups and individuals and is falling apart due to the lack

William Goulding’s award winning, allegorical novel, Lord of the Flies and David Brooks’ article “The Retreat to Tribalism” illustrate how centrifugal forces can have detrimental effects. Lord of the Flies starts off with one group of boys, but slowly ends with two tribes and three deaths. As the boys spend their days trying to figure out how to survive, many arguments break out between the boys about how things should be done. The first major foreshadowing of the split is the argument between Jack and Ralph, depicting their differences in priorities and leadership. Naturally, the choir boys stick with Jack while most of the others follow in Ralphs footsteps. It has been made clear that they could work better together but they continue to work separately due to their differences. The two groups are prime examples of two groups that have many differences, but would be better if working as one. Ralph’s group mainly consists of Ralph himself, Piggy, and Simon, before he’s killed. Their group is determined to take their situation seriously and figure out the best ways possible to, hopefully live better than just plainly surviving. Jack and his tribe members are more concerned with hunting and don’t care as much towards their situation. Knowing this, if the boys worked as one, they would have those who think logically and make plans, and those who will hunt for food. This would lead them all to a better and more efficient lifestyle. “The Retreat to Tribalism” is a modern and nonfictional presentation of the issues with centrifugal forces today. “Martin Luther King described segregation and injustice as forces tearing us apart.” (Brooks, The New York Times) These were two of the biggest issues over half century ago. It seems as if nothing has changed. No matter how hard some fight currently, these are still two of our biggest controversial issues. Brooks suggests that we search