Rethinking Tribalism and the Colonial Narrative

(035) Phil Phails @ philosophy with Grant Potts
Philosophy Book Club series #7

Book: Philosophy's Big Questions: Comparing Buddhist and Western Approaches
Question: WHY DO BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE? “And None of Us Deserving the Cruelty or the Grace”: Buddhism and the Problem of Evil

Phillip and Grant explore the concept of tribalism, challenging the narrative that it represents a primitive or natural state of human existence. They discuss how colonial history has shaped the way we understand tribal behavior, revealing that many indigenous groups exhibit much more complexity and diversity in their relationships with outside groups than the term 'tribalism' suggests. Some are defensive, while others are collaborative. The conversation emphasizes that our modern cultural understanding of tribalism is a constructed story, not an inherent rule of human nature.

Hashtags:
#Tribalism #ColonialHistory #IndigenousRelations #CulturalNarratives #PhilFails

About Grant Potts

Grant Potts is a distinguished faculty member at Austin Community College, specializing in Philosophy, Religion, and Humanities. Trained primarily as a scholar of religion, Grant is also a dedicated philosopher and curriculum developer, committed to promoting liberal education through the Great Question Foundation to benefit community college students of all disciplines. Outside the academic sphere, he is a passionate gardener, an enthusiastic hiker and cyclist, and an ardent tabletop roleplaying game enthusiast, delighting in adventures with friends and family in classics like Dungeons and Dragons as well as newer games like Coriolis and Forbidden Lands.

About Phillip Jones

👨‍👧‍👧 Single dad | 🧠 Neurodivergent & Proud | 🛤️ Path Seeker
After a lifetime of personal growth—through self-help, therapy, and endless learning—I'm embracing my unique journey. No more chasing 'normal.' Here to celebrate the quirks, the trials, and the joys of being authentically me. 🌟
Leaving the software world behind, I'm forging a new trail with "Phil Phails," a show that revels in the messiness of life and learning. Catch my latest adventures and dad moments on Austin Public and YouTube. Let’s redefine success together. #PhilPhails 🎬

The Fool's journey is a tapestry of learning, woven with threads of naivety and the vibrant colors of experience. Each step is a dance between innocence and wisdom, a transformation that beckons the curious souls to witness the unfolding of a human in bloom. Embrace this odyssey with open arms, for the path of the unknowing is a canvas for growth, and every traveler a masterpiece in progress.

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