Throughout human history, the evolution of communication has played a significant role in shaping ideological divides. From the invention of the printing press to the rise of social media, the phenomenon of ideological territorialism, or what some refer to as tribalism, has persisted. This tribalism appears innate rather than learned, arising as people flock to one side of an argument based on preexisting ties—be they religious, territorial, or social. While modern discourse often uses the term tribalism, this behavior may be more deeply rooted in what could be described as ideological territorialism, where the first group to stake out a claim often defines the lines of opposition. This process shapes the ensuing debates, even when the positions lack logical coherence.

The Dynamics of Ideological Territorialism

In many instances, when an argument or a new ideology emerges, the group that first establishes its stance on the issue tends to define the opposition. Rather than choosing sides based on thoughtful reflection, many people align with their "tribe," adopting the positions of those within their community, whether conservative or liberal, Christian or Muslim, or aligned with national identities like American or Chinese. This behavior has become a defining feature of modern discourse, where the first group to stake out a claim frames the conversation, leaving the opposition to claim whatever ideological territory remains.

This dynamic often places individuals on weak or strong ground based on the ideological positions their tribe holds. In cases where the tribe loses the majority of arguments or fails to prevail in public discourse, all of the arguments from that side are often discredited. Regardless of whether the losing side had nuanced or even correct positions, they are declared wrong by the victor, creating a binary view of right and wrong, winner and loser, in the realm of ideas.

Co-opting of Language and Concepts

One of the most fascinating aspects of ideological territorialism is the co-opting of terms and concepts that transcend political, religious, or social divides. Words that once held universal meaning—such as equality, liberty, love, and faith—have been claimed and redefined by different movements, leaving those outside of those movements feeling alienated or excluded.

For example, the term "liberality" is a concept that few Americans, regardless of political affiliation, would disagree with in principle. Yet, the language of ideological divides often implies that those on one side are liberal, while the other side is not. This creates a false dichotomy, suggesting that the fundamental values of liberality—openness, generosity, and a willingness to change—are exclusive to one side of the political spectrum.

Similarly, the word "equality" has been co-opted by various movements, particularly within the context of sexual identity and civil rights. The LGBTQ+ community, for example, has adopted the term to symbolize the fight for equal rights, which has led to a shift in how the term is perceived by others. Those who oppose certain aspects of this movement, such as the acceptance of non-traditional sexual practices or the exposure of children to these topics, may now view "equality" as a term that implies allegiance to a worldview they do not share. As a result, the word has become polarized, despite its fundamental meaning of equal treatment and opportunity for all.

Another notable example is the rainbow, a symbol originally rooted in biblical tradition. According to the Christian story of Noah, the rainbow was a sign of a covenant between God and humanity, promising that the Earth would never again be destroyed by a flood. Yet, in modern times, the rainbow has been co-opted by the LGBTQ+ movement to represent diversity of thought and identity. While this use of the rainbow initially focused on sexual diversity, it has since expanded to encompass racial and cultural diversity, often excluding dominant groups in a given society, such as those seen as holding power in Western empires.

This co-opting of symbols and language is not limited to sexual identity. The term "love" was similarly redefined during the 1960s free-love movement, where it became associated with sexual liberation and countercultural ideals. For many, this movement shifted the meaning of love from a spiritual or familial bond to something transient and physical, a stark departure from its original, multifaceted connotations.

Likewise, "faith" has been co-opted by certain religious movements to justify financial exploitation or rigid dogma. In some religious circles, faith is used as a tool to control adherents, demanding financial contributions or unquestioning obedience to religious authorities. This has led to a backlash against organized religion, with many associating the word "faith" with manipulation rather than spiritual conviction.

The Impact of Ideological Territorialism on Modern Discourse

Ideological territorialism can have far-reaching consequences on how society engages with important concepts. When one side of a debate stakes a claim on a term, the opposition is often left in a reactionary position, rejecting not only the specific claims of the other side but also the very terms and values they once might have shared. As these terms are co-opted, their meanings shift, and individuals who disagree with the dominant ideology of a given movement may feel that they must abandon the terms altogether, even when they align with their original meanings.

This phenomenon creates a kind of ideological entrenchment, where individuals and groups become locked into predefined positions based on tribal associations rather than logic or shared values. Once a concept like "liberality," "equality," or "faith" is claimed by one side, it becomes difficult for the other side to engage with the concept in a productive way, as the terms themselves are seen as belonging to the opposing tribe.

Moving Forward: Reclaiming Language and Thought

To move beyond ideological territorialism, it is essential to recognize the value of shared concepts and to engage with them in a way that transcends tribal affiliations. Equality, liberality, love, and faith are not the exclusive property of any one movement, ideology, or religion. They are universal values that have been co-opted and redefined in ways that divide us. By reclaiming these terms and grounding them in their original meanings, we can begin to bridge the divides that ideological territorialism has created.

This requires a willingness to engage in dialogue across tribal lines and a recognition that no single group has a monopoly on truth. It also requires humility—acknowledging that even when one side wins an argument, the other side may have valid points that deserve consideration. By challenging the co-opting of language and ideas, and by rejecting the notion that tribal identity should define our beliefs, we can begin to build a more inclusive and thoughtful discourse, one that honors the complexity of human thought and experience.