I grew up, for better or worse, steeped in the values of Western thought. Individualism. Excellence. Individual excellence. What is more, I am an introverted hermit by nature, raised in a small, quiet family by nurture. My inclination is to work and live in isolation. If the world ended on a long weekend, I probably wouldn't notice for days. As I end my sixth year in Oman, the greatest gift I take with me is a radical shake-up in my make-up: what I call the Tribal Impulse.
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| Image: zaharatours.com |
We're Not in Kansas Any More
As fate would have it, I have spent the past eleven years as a language teacher in fairytale exotic lands. Whatever my nature, introversion is not a luxury I can afford. Teaching demands perpetual, effective interaction. Expatriation demands coping skills, as well as the grace to handle instant, and constant, paparazzi-like attention. In this business you need the Tribal Impulse. The Tribal Impulse is my little name for the tendency to belong to, contribute and derive mutual benefit from an allied group. This is traditionally a group of kinship, but can certainly refer to voluntary groups formed organically around values, interests and passions.
Oman: Tribes and Trials and Tribulations
And then there is... Oman. This breathtaking country that has been my home for six years could not be further from my natural inclinations. In addition to teaching and coping, I have been confronted with an entire nation that values the collective over the individual at the deepest level. More than just a vague greater good, Omani society has struck me as prioritizing the family above all; the tribe, friends and alliances... often even alliances with complete strangers. The Omani philosophy is that when someone needs help, you offer it. No questions asked. The system works like a joint bank account of social capital. When you are the one in need, you receive a return on your investment. In the harsh conditions of desert life, without established currency or farming to fall back on, this was the only dependable system. Of course this can be a great and noble quest. Yet when applied to the "Western" overlay of contemporary society it can also degenerate into problems like nepotism, corruption and cheating.
About-Face
This culture of helping each other is a complete paradigm shift from the me-first approach that was so effectively imprinted on my malleable young psyche as unquestionable truth. It is sobering to meet with an entire culture that shares the same zealous conviction - of their completely opposite views. A Western student sits down to an exam adamant to do her best and leave others to their fate. In contrast, countless diligent Omani students risk their reputation to show answers to their less capable exam room neighbours. In my culture this is called cheating, and it is considered deplorable. In this traditional culture it is called helping, and it is an absolute duty. So who is right?
Left, Right, Wrong
The culture of individualistic excellence is a cornerstone of the academic and business world. It has brought us some great achievers, and many more also-rans. There can, after all, only be one winner. Which makes everyone else a loser. This win-lose system led the Western nations to dominance by the end of the 20th century.
Yet it has never been clearer that this system is not sustainable. Proof? The economic crisis. The environmental crisis. The physical and mental health crisis in these nations. THE ONE WINNER SYSTEM DOESN'T WORK, BECAUSE UNTIL EVERYBODY WINS, NOBODY REALLY DOES.
True, putting the collective before the individual does not jive with many "modern" systems. Is this the fault of the collectivist ethic, or are those modern systems just not so perfect? Putting the collective first requires a paradigm shift, but it may be worth a try as the first world falters.
The Gulf (Pun Intended)
Ironically, a significant proportion of the workforce in the Arabian Gulf is of foreign origin. Since the "foreign experts" are trained in "modern", "Western" systems, they are constantly dissatisfied when the local, collectivist cultures do not respond well to the individualistic conditions. The true "Gulf" divides locals and the visiting workforce.
It really is time to consider this. Is it the local people, who are following the age-old Tribal Impulse? Or is it the foreign experts, who are maybe not quite expert enough to find ways to capitalize on this ethic of win-win? Considering the gravity of the world's current challenges, what is more appropriate?
Conclusion
There is more at issue here than right and wrong. The modes of individualistic and collectivist thinking each offer different benefits for different occasions. In the times we live in, each can benefit from considering the validity of the other point of view.
Has Oman taught me this lesson well? With three weeks left to my departure for a traveling sabbatical, I received word of a family emergency back home. Although I have complete freedom to continue with my plans, the choice was clear. My sabbatical is now rerouting via my own tribal home. It is Oman has shaken me awake to the Tribal Impulse at a very deep level, and I continue to marvel at the possibilities of a completely different worldview.
Has Oman taught me this lesson well? With three weeks left to my departure for a traveling sabbatical, I received word of a family emergency back home. Although I have complete freedom to continue with my plans, the choice was clear. My sabbatical is now rerouting via my own tribal home. It is Oman has shaken me awake to the Tribal Impulse at a very deep level, and I continue to marvel at the possibilities of a completely different worldview.
*Tribe is capitalized here to indicate a consciously forged alliance of belonging, as opposed to a tribe of kinship.
