ASD & Tribalism

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Nationality, ethnicity, geography, religion, politics, sports teams, etc.: we all divide ourselves up into a variety of tribal designations on a regular basis. I can certainly identify with others who share a common view on a specific topic.

What I don't understand is the absolutism that goes along with it: no matter what a fellow member of a particular tribe does or says, blind loyalty to that tribe will inevitably kick in for some people.

The willingness to ignore, obfuscate, deflect, and flat out lie to defend a fellow tribe member is just lost on me. Just because I share a commonality with someone doesn't mean that I'm willing to overlook bad behavior. A lie is a lie, an immoral act is an immoral act, and a crime is a crime. Fellow tribe members don't get a pass.

Granted, I have never really felt a deep belonging to any particular group. I'm always the outsider, so it might have something to do with it - I've never formed those deep connections. Is this unique to me or is this something that other people on the spectrum can relate to?

I don't know if it is related to ASD but I also can't stand tribalism around me.
Especially in politics. It makes people endlessly blame and fight "the others" instead of looking for actual solutions for actual problems.

Yup. It might be something to do with forming relationships and groups (which I've also never had the drive for), but tribalism is fairly revolting to me.

I agree with everyone above. Even as a child, I couldn't understand blind, illogical allegiance to a group.

Some but not all autistic people are very pragmatic.

I have tribalism. It's not... generally very useful, except when it's an intuition about who I will get along with.

In ancient times, tribalism provided groups of humans a better chance at survival with a strength in numbers. It's possible that humans would've become extinct without tribal based structure.

When human population increased, towns and cities became a "tribe" of sorts because they were walled off and well fortified against aggressors.

Tribal mentality still exists based on race, ethnicity, sex, religion, ideology, neurodiversity, etc. Like anything else, it can be detrimental and negative if it's used to exclude. However, I see tribalism as being something that can serve a positive purpose if it's used to protect and advance a group constructively. I see nothing wrong, for example for ND people gaining strength from each other and helping each other advance for the good of ND people.

ND people being tribal as a form of superiority? No.
ND people being tribal to exclude anyone who isn't ND? No.

ND people being tribal, joining together to advance ND awareness? Yes
ND people being tribal to celebrate their neurodiversity rather than be ashamed of it? Yes.
ND people being tribal to gain strength, camaraderie and support from each other in ways they can't fully get from NTs? Yes.