I read a lot about how important community and the tribe is in Heathenism, and how one's behavior should be in keeping with the customs and beliefs of the tribe. I completely understand that in ancient times it was necessary for survival. Even today the Amish have that sense of community... community barn raising, caring for each other during illness, helping each other financially.
Today we have very little or none of that spirit of cooperation. We have health insurance, we hire plumbers, electricians, house painters and handymen, we go to Jiffy-Lube, STS or Firestone for our vehicles. We're really self-sufficient. But on top of that, even if none of that modern day self-sufficiency existed, I don't really think I'd have a tribe at all:
So, how does everyone else see this?
Today we have very little or none of that spirit of cooperation. We have health insurance, we hire plumbers, electricians, house painters and handymen, we go to Jiffy-Lube, STS or Firestone for our vehicles. We're really self-sufficient. But on top of that, even if none of that modern day self-sufficiency existed, I don't really think I'd have a tribe at all:
- My parents are dead over 20 years, grandparents over 40 years.
- The rest of my family is far-flung geographically and otherwise; asking for any kind of help gets "oh gee, I'm so busy". I had a couple of surgical procedures that to get home I had to take a cab.
- The people in the area where I live are also all about themselves. In an emergency they might respond but I wouldn't hang by the neck waiting.
- I find myself being a one-sided tribe member, so to speak. I'll help anyone that needs it, but I get none when I need it.
- I do not make friends easily because of social anxiety and Asperger's. I am socially awkward. In fact, I have one friend if you could say that. We've known each other and worked together for almost 30 years. Back in the day we hung out a lot, spent time with each other, but life changes. If not for work, I think we'd rarely be in touch.
So, how does everyone else see this?
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