deeprootcenter
  • Home
    • Homeschool Information
    • Our Story
    • Testimonials
    • Guiding Principles
  • About Us
    • The DRC Staff & Board
    • Fees
    • Consultations
    • DRC Pop-Ups
    • DRC-Canton Summer Program
    • Resources >
      • Liberated Learners Network
      • OPT OUT!
  • Contact
  • Get Involved
    • Donate
    • Sponsor a DRC Kid
    • Thank you
    • Grant Funders & Sponsors
  • Blog
Picture
Picture

Tribalism

1/10/2021

0 Comments

 
Who is your tribe?  To be clear, who are the people you align yourself with ideologically, not ethnically?  

Some of us can admit (I can only hope), our answer to that question five, or ten years ago (or possibly even six months ago) was different than our response today.

Despite the common understanding, based on a system that trains us from an early age to do the exact opposite (how many times have you heard "make up your mind and stick with it?"), our personal belief systems should transmute and change as we grow and become aware of ideas and information that were not previously part of our understanding.  No, it doesn't make you "wishy-washy," contradictory, or weak.   It, in its purest essence, defines a receptive and flexible open mind (and science).  

And on the other side of the coin, the inability and unwillingness to explore new concepts and change your opinion do not imply a strength of will or character. They are the precise descriptions of narrow-mindedness and intolerance (and pseudo-science).  

I have a theory that some people are more susceptible to believing conspiracy theories spouted by charlatans because they feel disconnected and disengaged.  I am basing my premise on existing research around addiction.  There have been many studies, with humans and other animals, that have proven that a lack of meaningful relationships drives the habitual seeking of something else to take the place of it.   

Within that theory, I find it utterly fascinating that people with an insular perspective actively try to convince themselves and others (gas-lighting) that they are, in actuality, not closed to new ideas by doing "research" and "seeking" out data.  Because of the proliferation of biased media sources and straight-up fake news outlets, it is easier to find and latch onto these con-men and become addicted to cherry-picking and spinning information that "proves" their original rigid stance.  

And this is where we are right now.  When one tribe is engaged in the fantasy of strength and moral rectitude and incited by inaccuracy and delusional behavior, it becomes the meeting place of conflict - the conflagration of ideologies.  

With that understanding, I remain committed to providing a community where engagement and connection are the foundation.  And a place (even though it is virtual right now) where everyone is encouraged to explore the possibilities, make mistakes, and, yes, change their minds whenever they discover a new way of thinking.

Picture

DRC News


This past week , in honor of our 7th Birthday, on our social media, we revisited the Liberated Learner Seven Guiding Principles articulated by Ken Danford, the co-founder of North Star in Sunderland, MA.  Find the descriptions here.
Membership is Open
Our staff and student members are still connecting remotely through our virtual schedule.  If you are interested in joining the DRC community, please get in touch.  
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Don't miss a post!

    Sign-up here to get the DRC Blog delivered to your inbox.

    Archives

    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013

Picture
© 2025 Whole Learners, Inc. 501(c)3
Deep Root Center
48 Riverside Drive, Canton, NY 13617

315*323*1435/[email protected]
  • Home
    • Homeschool Information
    • Our Story
    • Testimonials
    • Guiding Principles
  • About Us
    • The DRC Staff & Board
    • Fees
    • Consultations
    • DRC Pop-Ups
    • DRC-Canton Summer Program
    • Resources >
      • Liberated Learners Network
      • OPT OUT!
  • Contact
  • Get Involved
    • Donate
    • Sponsor a DRC Kid
    • Thank you
    • Grant Funders & Sponsors
  • Blog