Well, I think the worst part about tribalism is its tendency to fundamentalize, and if I can fight fundamentalism in any of its forms I'm happy.
Interpretation
Tribalism often leads to rigid beliefs, and combating these fundamental beliefs is important for personal and societal growth.
In this quote, Sherman Alexie highlights the dangers of tribalism, which can create a firm division in thought and perspective. He expresses a desire to challenge fundamentalism in all its manifestations, suggesting that questioning rigid, dogmatic beliefs can lead to a more open-minded and inclusive society, ultimately fostering understanding and acceptance among different groups.
In practice
This quote could be shared during a discussion on tolerance and acceptance in multicultural societies.
Gordie, the white boy genius, gave me this book by a Russian dude named Tolstoy, who wrote, 'Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.' Well, I hate to argue with a Russian genius, but Tolstoy didn't know Indians, and he didn't know that all Indian families are unhappy for the same exact reasons: the frikkin' booze.
My wife was the first romantic partner who understood both American and native parts of me - not so much the positive stuff, but the damage.
I draw because words are too unpredictable. I draw because words are too limited. If you speak and write in English, or Spanish, or Chinese, or any other language, then only a certain percentage of human beings will get your meaning. But when you draw a picture everybody can understand it. If I draw a cartoon of a flower, then every man, woman, and child in the world can look at it and say, "That's a flower.
We all have to find our own ways to say good-bye.
I write books for teenagers because I vividly remember what it felt like to be a teen facing everyday and epic dangers. I don't write to protect them. It's far too late for that. I write to give them weapons-in the form of words and ideas-that will help them fight their monsters. I write in blood because I remember what it felt like to bleed.
A lot of people have no idea that right now Y.A. (young adult). is the Garden of Eden of literature.
Since you know me and my destiny only too well, you probably also know what attracts me to all unfortunate people.
There have been men before who got so interested in proving the existence of God that they came to care nothing for God himself, as if the good Lord had nothing to do but to exist. There have been some who were so preoccupied with spreading Christianity that they never gave a thought to Christ.
So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth.
No rose without a thorn but many a thorn without a rose.
When there are thoughts, it is distraction: when there are no thoughts, it is meditation.
But it does make me sad that we've forgotten our names. Out of everything, this seems to me the most tragic. I miss my own and I mourn for everyone else's, because I'd like to love them, but I don't know who they are.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.