Why some of America's poorest counties vote Republican

[Zambero]

38. Latent tribalism

When one's world is still a very small place, and any suggestion of change or outside influence is perceived as a threat, then the seeds of conservatism will take root and any other considerations, economic or otherwise, are quickly discarded. In tribal societies, fear of the unknown was the norm, and was employed as a means of survival. Any suggestion of cultural change was resisted, and if it took place at all it was through a slow evolutionary process, short of a hostile takeover by enemy tribes. The hereditary manifestation of ancient tribalism remains omnipresent in today's human gene pool, and while it serves very little purpose in modern society, it enforces ignorance to the point of opposing one's best interests in a complex society. Fear works, while persuasion does not work. A few will have a personal epiphany and wake up to reality, but it will on their own initiative. However, the majority will hold onto ignorance as a safety blanket, much to the delight of the corporatists and religious zealots who will exploit their fears at every turn.