The tribal nature of human beings is a curiosity. Studies have shown that babies learn to discriminate between those who may be part of their club, or not. Evidence shows we are hardwired to desire belonging. Watching the world cup soccer events on television was as much about waving your country’s flag as it was discussing the art of the sport.
I taught in elementary schools in Northern Ontario. Small remote towns have a code of loyalty. Folks living there grumble about larger cities, they have favourite activities, and cheer sports teams. New residents must buy into these preferences to be quickly accepted. In some circles I was considered safe, in other parts of town I always felt my credibility would only be improved if I could show that one of my kin had once been born in the area. Birthright is a strong claim to belonging. Merit takes second place when it comes to achieving accordance.
There was a scene in the television series Task where a geeky member of the police force described how sewing patches on her team’s uniforms helped members win more games. It reminded me of how biker gangs have patches to denote the level of membership in their club. I was once proud to wear Boy Scout badges even though I was shy to be so visibly seen to belong to a group. Even at that young age I was aware that belonging requires a sort of obligation. In tandem, I’m never sure I want to conform to other folks ideas of me.
We have to prove we belong sometimes. Citizenship requires government certification. I had to renew my library card recently by showing I still belonged to my neighbourhood. Without the numerous cards and other documentation I would be unable to access many of the benefits of living in Canada. I think of these things when news of immigration, mass migration, and the building of walls to exclude comes to me from various media sources. I wonder how my rights to belong can be in conflict with those who wish to be part of my comfortable collective. Borders are only recognized successfully when people agree that I belong here and you belong over there.
We can only claim ownership of ourselves. That makes us responsible for our actions. Americans lay claim to being open to others but only to the extent that immigrants will assimilate into the big melting pot where all become one, united and indivisible. Historically, Canadian colonists wished the same to happen with the indigenous who occupied the land they coveted, “Come into our fold, learn our ways, then will you be accepted” We forget (or were taught it wasn’t important) that they already belonged to a tribe, and a culture going back to the beginning of time. You can’t break a genealogical belonging.
I belong to myself first, I may wish to belong to a cause, I can be lucky and belong to another through love, but I can never be coerced to belong against my will, without losing myself somewhere along the way.
