Tribes: A Search for Belonging in a Divided Society

Labour MP for Tottenham David Lammy investigates the modern concept of "tribes" and how New Tribalism has pernicious effects on the health of our society. TRIBES will explore ways in which we can challenge and neuter New Tribalism, distinguishing between the 'good' sort of tribalism - the patriotism that is inclusive and open to newcomers, the ethnic or religious pride that celebrates a particular culture or faith tradition rather than denigrates others as inferior, the 'Spirit of Dunkirk' that saw ordinary people come together and do extraordinary things - from the harmful tribalism that excludes, denigrates and divides.

About the Author :
David Lammy was born in London to Guianese parents and has served as the MP for Tottenham since 2000. He was the first black Briton to study at Harvard Law School and before entering politics practised as a barrister. He served as a minister under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown and his first book, Out of the Ashes: Britain after the Riots, was published to widespread acclaim in 2011.

Review :
Lammy writes with nuance and sensitivity and accepts the lack of easy answers. But his core message is simple. We must cooperate more, compromise more, communicate more. Only connect, but offline A superb book about the tribalism gripping British politics. Tribes is measured, searching, pitilessly self-scrutinising and would probably amaze anyone who knows its author only from his Twitter persona Episodes of memoir, including DNA tests, a police frisking and a death threat, enliven the Labour MP's first-rate study of social division It is rich, in thought, history, anecdote and experience The best section of the book is a sympathetic account of why people voted Brexit from a zealous Remainer MP who insists Brexit is driven by xenophobia Tribes examines how to bring together a fractious country without smothering legitimate political grievances in the process Absorbing analysis . . . thoughtful, nuanced book . . . this book asks the right questions Blends memoir with shrewd analysis of the current political landscape . . . He interrogates subjects such as polarisation, tribalism and identity politics with aplomb, bringing in voices from opposing backgrounds and views . . . The most powerful parts of the book, though, are the explorations of his own compulsion to belong A vital contribution to the political debate Ambitious . . . [this book] helps us understand aspects of tribalism Navigating diverse cultures taught him to appreciate different perspectives, and makes him an incisive diagnostician of our familiar ills - economic decline, political polarisation and terrible loneliness. But Lammy also has inspiring ideas for putting things right A fascinating and thought-provoking reflective journey across cultures, centuries and continents. This book will become a classic and an important tool for anyone studying social and political history and the rapidly changing dynamics of tribalism Compelling reading for understanding the rich lifeblood of our incredible shared city and the forces which shape us