In response to Jeremiah’s post on new tribalism

I think it is essential that when we talk of a new tribalism, the methods of connectivity are reconsidered. It is also important to note that all virtual modes of interactivity lead to the eventual physical connection or remain as a simulation of what is physical. Physical interaction may always be the quickest, strongest, and the most familiar, but greater leaps of interaction take place through the internet and other modes of interaction.

Anti-Global and anti-big box sentiment is abundantly expressed over the internet. The internet provides a platform for individuals who are not physically connected to create their own community. As the global economy pushes for a more homogenous landscape, the physical limitations between our experiences become less relevant because we all live under similar conditions. We live in our fragmented suburbs, connecting only by identifying with a tribe or with multiple tribes based on our common interests and / or our common enemy.

Take for example (among many others) againstthewal.org. This website organizes people from all around the country to meet physically to exchange thoughts and to protest Wal-Mart policies.