Thread by @nickreeves9876

I wrote this article explaining how people disorientated by the crumbling of working class communities are clinging to the false promises of Tory tribal nationalism. Tribal loyalty is deeply emotive, and very resistant to contrary reasons and facts.
sussexbylines.co.uk/un-divide-to-c…

Humans are very much tribal beings. In times of social stress we tend to seek safety in a tribe. The only available tribe in England is the nation-tribe. As with family, tribal loyalty is deeply emotional. To disagree with the tribe is to betray a powerful emotional bond.

So rather than feel disloyal to their tribe people would prefer to hold onto the tribe's opinions regardless of evidence to the contrary. Millions of Germans continued to support Hitler even as the Thousand Year Reich crumbled into ruins.

In modern societies people cling to nationalist tribalism out of fear and insecurity. What they want is protection. So they don't want humane, thoughtful, kind and honest leaders. They want powerful leaders. Lying with impunity is an alpha chimp display of power.

Also, when the leaders tell lies that please their followers, they are not disliked for doing so. They are loved for showing that they respect their followers' feelings more than they respect the truth. The followers know they are lying and are profoundly grateful for that.

In a tribal mentality, when the leader tells their followers pleasing lies they are demonstrating their loyalty to their followers by showing that their loyalty goes above their respect for truth and honesty.