Is the world becoming more tribal? More divisible?
It often feels that way. We scroll through feeds that reward outrage, join groups that echo our own views, and quietly unfollow people who make us uncomfortable. Technology connects us globally while our conversations grow sharper, our circles smaller, our patience thinner. We retreat into familiar tribes—political, cultural, religious, generational—because belonging feels safer than bridging. But safety without openness becomes isolation. Division thrives when fear replaces curiosity. The antidote isn’t grand policy; it’s personal practice. One individual can choose to listen longer, to ask questions that invite—not corner—others. We can refuse the easy caricature of “them.” We can read beyond headlines, speak with humility, and remember that disagreement doesn’t have to mean disrespect. Small choices matter. A teacher who lets students debate without ridicule teaches civic courage. A neighbor who attends a cultural festival outside her comfort zone models openness. A friend who...
