When the Tribe Becomes the Divide
By Larry G. Patten
(Adapted from reflections in 21st Century Tribal Boundaries)
The first tribes were formed out of necessity.
Long before governments, cities, or digital networks, there were fires in the dark—small circles of people huddled close for one simple reason: survival. Alone, early humans were exposed to hunger, cold, predators, and the unknown. Together, they had a chance. The tribe meant food shared, danger spotted early, children protected, wounds tended. It was practical. It was life.