Psychological Imprisonment to Keep the Status Quo
Wariness of an outsider is one of the oldest built-in psychological tendencies. It is in our instincts to distrust those who we classify as “different” rather than “similar”. In the early stages of the human story, these tendencies were rewarded with survival. In modern times, this distrust of the “other” leads to confusion and harmful tribal loyalties. In the case of Lebanon, a politically established elite are using such evolutionary unease to exploit the Lebanese people, who are viewed as subjects by those that claim to be their defendants.
Fear and Tribalism Used in Continuous Harmony
One such exploit that is being used is arguably as old as life, fear. Fear is one of the most intimate feelings belonging to the human species, with its roots ingrained deeply into our biological and psychological core. Demagogues have always used fear for intimidating their subordinates or enemies, as well as shepherding the tribe as their protectors. It is a quite a strong tool that blurs the line of human logic and causes change in human behaviour. In essence, fear can be seen as a drug, and if so, then the tribe is the addict. Alongside fear, tribalism has been an integral part of human history. There has always been competition between groups of humans in different ways and with different faces. There is evidence in cultural neuroscience that shows our brains responding differently at an unconscious level when simply viewing faces from a different race or culture. This inherent tribalism is an evolutionary mechanism and is used when we are experiencing fright. It leads to group cohesion in the fight for survival against other tribes. Authoritative figures and politicians have been banking on these biological loopholes as far as time can tell. There is a recurring pattern where these figureheads label another group and turn them into a concept, rather than the people that they are. It can be any real or imaginary difference; from race to religion, a political philosophy, with the list to divide ultimately having no limits. These authoritative figures have managed very well to build boundaries between “us” and “them”, creating virtual groups of people void of communication and ravaged with hate.
Lebanon is a “textbook” Example
In Lebanon, many people trust those they hold to be in authority. Powerful politicians and religious figures have come to be considered untouchable by their loyal support base. This has reached the point where undeniable criminal acts such as the theft of the country’s wealth through corruption, violent acts, and outright lies to push personal agendas, are all either ignored or denied. This is all stems from the remnants of the Lebanese civil war. A bloody and disastrous conflict which lasted 25 years began between the Christians and Muslims who reside in the country. As this conflict progressed, it quickly spiralled into a free for all. Groups of both religions began to direct their weapons towards those they were once allied with, for we must remember that what is to be feared is ever changing, and the line which constitutes the other is rather fluid. The Lebanese political elite thrive on the fearfulness and tribalism that pursued the civil war. They have convinced those who they claim to represent and protect that they alone are able to protect them, for the “other” is much worse. While all this fear mongering is splurged amongst the citizens, those in power maintain their grip on Lebanon. As tensions reach boiling points and escalate into armed clashes, those that the people die for are obtaining unthinkable fortunes. They work alongside one another, formulating plots to acquire wealth by thieving from the sectors and programs meant to be the pillars of a functioning society. The wounds of the civil war were truly never allowed to heal. Rather than allowing the people to learn from the past and move forward, the subject has become quite taboo. Instead, the ruling class use the civil war as a weapon. The threat is ever lingering over the citizens of the country, poisoning the thoughts of those who are suffering, and allowing them to believe that history will repeat itself if anyone is challenged.
Ignoring our Instincts
In modernity we humans are learning to ignore some of our evolutionary psychology. Societal culture is moving towards accepting those who are deemed different with coexistence becoming more common. Once being traits to provide safety, fear and tribalism is being used to cause division and among societies, which ultimately favours those who campagne on such unease. There is a famous saying that exists in Lebanon - “It’s raining on you and I” - so why not focus these evolutionary defence mechanisms on those who experience no rain?
