Living in Tribes

Analysis:

David Berreby's account of campus traditions seems to be factual but it's also misleading. I agree that these traditions give us a sense of community and allow us to fit in more and meet people that are more like us, but I do not believe that the consequences are as drastic as he makes them out to be. College students are more accepting than Berreby thinks. We understand each others differences and we respect that. Just because one of my friends goes to UMass and another to Stonehill doesn't mean they're better than me, and it doesn't mean I'm better than them. The old school image of schools being pinned against each other is out dated and usually only displayed through sporting events. I believe these traditions are used mostly as ice-breakers, to get students into the flow of college life and to expose them to all of their opportunities. Today most college kids just want to get through their classes and go home, and pray they don't have to take out any more loans. We're not consumed with school rankings and last night's box score, we just want to sleep and survive tomorrow's 8am. I do not see it as an "us v.s. them" society I see it more as an "us with them" society, one where we're all in this together.