Why Tribalism Makes French People Defend Macron

There's a common misconception that French people are blindly protective of President Emmanuel Macron, simply because they are French. However, this assumption fails to account for the phenomenon of tribalism in society. Here's an in-depth look at why this tribal behavior persists and how it shapes opinions and reactions towards the current political landscape in France.

The Reality of Macron’s Popularity

It's important to address the reality of Emmanuel Macron's political support. While it's true that there are many voices expressing discontent with him, it is not accurate to generalize that for every French person, 'France hates Macron.' In fact, he was reelected in 2022 with a significant margin and won the support of nearly 30% of the electorate. This indicates that there is a substantial portion of the French population who do support him for a variety of reasons, including his economic policies and stance on European integration.

The Role of Media and Perceptions

Those who dislike Macron often compensate for their perceived lack of democratic legitimacy through increased media activity. Critics can be more vocal and active on social media, blog posts, and other forums, which can give the impression that Macron is much more unpopular than he really is. However, it's crucial to recognize that even high-profile criticisms on the internet do not equate to a broad and deep-seated hatred across the entire French population.

Tribalism and Group Identity

Social psychologist psychiatrist Frédéric Kaplan explains that tribalism, or the tendency to form and act based on group membership, can be deeply ingrained in human behavior. When attacked, individuals often retaliate not just in defense of the person being attacked, but in defense of their own group identity. This is part of the broader concept of in-group versus out-group behaviors, which have evolved to provide a sense of security and belonging.

Group dynamics can be complex. A French person may regard Macron as 'outsider' when tweeting or discussing politics from the comfort of a different country, like the U.S. In which case, attacking Macron appears as an attack on the entire French group, triggering an instinctive response to protect the group's honor and integrity. When the same individual is in Paris and interacting with people who support Macron, the dynamic changes. Macron becomes someone closely aligned with the in-group, and any criticism is perceived as an attack on the group.

The Biological and Sociological Roots of Tribalism

The very reason why we can be loyal or protective of a figure like Emmanuel Macron (regardless of our disagreements) lies in our evolutionary history and social structure. The ability to form and maintain strong group bonds was crucial for our species to survive and thrive. This includes the instinct to stand together against perceived threats, even if those threats come from outside the group or are perceived as unjustified.

Social scientists like René Girard explore how group loyalty and active defending of members are essential for forming and maintaining social cohesion. In-group loyalty serves as a barrier against negative external influences and propaganda, helping to protect the group's unity and stability. This is why even if someone disapproves of Macron's actions, they may support him due to group solidarity.

Implications and Fairness in Political Discourse

It's important for political discourse to be fair and inclusive. While many on platforms like Quora may express their opinions freely, it is still crucial to recognize that not everyone has an equal stake in the political affairs of other nations. Foreigners, especially those from non-European countries, should respect the boundaries of politeness and refrain from meddling in the internal politics of other nations unless invited to do so.

Furthermore, it is essential to provide the same level of courtesy and respect to diverse political figures across the world. For example, a U.S. citizen may choose not to comment on American politics to maintain objectivity and avoid biased perspectives. Similarly, it is only fair that French citizens and citizens of other countries should be offered the same consideration when discussing their political leaders.

Ultimately, understanding and respecting the social and psychological underpinnings of tribal behavior can lead to a more nuanced and respectful discourse in political conversations, both online and offline.

Keywords: Tribalism, Macron, French politics