The Madness of Humanity: Tribalism

Which of the following identifies the central idea of the text?

• Tribalism has an overwhelmingly negative effect on modern society due to the way it promotes the need for tribes to expand their influence into other tribes.

• Tribalism is a necessary part of modern society. However, the extreme behavior it can promote must be combatted in order for it to play a productive role in society.

• Tribalism was necessary in order for humans to survive in groups in the past. However, it does not play a productive role in society today.

• Tribalism plays an overwhelmingly positive role in modern society, and there are relatively few who use it as an excuse for violence.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.2

Which detail from the text best supports the central idea of the text?

• "History is filled with similar examples of apocalyptic sects whose members chose death over life, some peaceful and others extremely aggressive to anyone who doesn't 'belong.'" (paragraph 4)

• "'Belonging' is a key word here. It has its origins in our tribal past, when groups of individuals would struggle and fight for survival in adverse environmental conditions." (paragraph 5)

• "Young people adrift in a globalized world go to ISIS and other extreme movements seeking a shared identity that gives their lives a sense of meaning and purpose." (paragraph 8)

• "Tribalism is deeply ingrained in our value system. There's no way out of it. We need it; we love it; we hate it. What leads to extreme behavior, however, is something else." (paragraph 12)

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.1

CCSS.RI.9-10.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

How does paragraph 11 contribute to the development of the ideas in the text?

• It provides more relatable examples of tribalism, as well the author’s own experiences.

• It proves that there is no way to escape the extreme behavior that tribalism promotes.

• It shows that tribalism is merely a phase in life that everyone must experience, but then move on from.

• It shows how only very few people are vulnerable to the extreme behavior that tribalism can evoke.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.2

CCSS.RI.9-10.3

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

Which quote from paragraph 11 best supports the answer to the previous question (how para 11 contributes to development of ideas)?

• “We are social animals, and being part of an identifying group is essential to a healthy emotional life.”

• “Sometimes, such experiments get heavy — and violence erupts.”

• “Growing up in Brazil, I remember as a kid how ferociously I defended my local soccer team. Anyone who didn’t support my team was at least suspicious, if not plain mad.”

• “Different tribes, with different value systems, vying for power.”

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.1

CCSS.RI.9-10.2

CCSS.RI.9-10.3

CCSS.RI.9-10.5