RE: So you want to be in a tribe?
I don't think I would have the strength to be an elder but I crave the tribal life! I have never felt a part of something where I can trust not to be attacked by my neighbour or even a family member. To me it seems that a tribe is also built upon trust...trust that you will do right by your fellow tribes person and they will do right by you. I read the other day that there is a tribe in africa that will take someone who has done something wrong and stand with them for 2 days talking about the good that person has done in the past instead of focusing on the bad. They are reminding themselves and the person who has wronged that they are not the sum total of 1 mistake and are correcting with love rather than punishment. I dream of a day when I feel part of a safe community. <3
The fact that you don't feel safe is a sad and painful testimony to current social structures. What is even sadder is that almost ALL women feel this way in one way or another and most men too! We have a lot of work to do so that true safety and security can be built into our relationships so that people do feel safe and accountable. Yes, the example that you shared is an excellent one. Jails and other violent punitive processes don't work.