Toxic Tribalism: How Identity Politics and Culture Wars Are Dividing Britain

On Monday 26th May 2025, a driver in Liverpool, under the influence of drugs, went rogue and injured over 70 people. Many questions arise when thinking about this matter—or even being subjected to it yourself. Why did he do it? How were the victims affected? For some, however, the questions boil down to: What was his race? Was this a terror attack?

In short—regardless of race—this was the result of a 53-year-old British male. So why are people bringing race into the mix?

To include, the mainstream media have been portraying him as a ‘loving family man’ who was a good neighbour to have. Why would they portray him like this? Is it purely race related? It certainly is one of the stronger aspects of this case. Though I do not think a man who was heavily under the influences of substances that drove into people was a ‘loving family man’. After all, I am sure Ted Bundy was a nice man to get along with, so far as he could get away with the murders he was doing.

It should also come as no surprise that the influence of the far-right on the British public—namely the working class—is extensive. We’ve all spent enough time online to have seen the meme of Nigel Farage, a blue-collar worker, and a migrant sitting at a table. Farage says to the worker, ‘This guy is stealing your cookies’, gesturing at the migrant. This meme perfectly sums up the method politicians use to secure power from the blue-collar workers: divide and conquer while skewing things in their favour more and more.

How Toxic Tribalism Has Killed Rational Thought

During the early 1900s, it was common for the working-class man to have his shoes polished and to read the newspapers, a book on philosophy, or any form of literature—educational or otherwise. After two culturally and socio-economically devastating world wars, followed by Thatcherite ideology prostituting public institutions, and a media selling divisive opinions about race and culture—the working class was broken and divided.

Add in competitive sports like football (notably hooliganism) and rugby, and you had the perfect storm for groupthink. Supporting your team, cheering them on, questioning the referee’s decision, then heading to the pub and having a punch-up with the opposition. While the violence has declined since the '80s and '90s, the tribal and possessed ideology remains.

The perverse nature of toxic tribalism can now be seen in the so-called ‘gender wars’, debates on race and ethnicity, and clashes over culture and religion. Think tanks, mainstream media, and especially social media have made it easier than ever to isolate yourself in a digital corner, surrounded by people who mindlessly agree with everything you say.

These toxic behaviours aren’t new to Britain—but by now, we should be more informed about how authority manages to keep people in their place. Muscular Christianity, from the mid-19th century, is one such example. Providing people with a moral and religious purpose through physical strength and athleticism. But when this ideology was exported to India under the British Raj, it morphed into a tool of oppression—using the caste system to reward those willing to abandon their vegetarian values in favour of meat-eating, aligning strength with obedience to British ideals to further the British imperialist cause in India.

Political Identity Shifts Masquerading as ‘Change’

Tribalism today isn’t just about sports or class—it’s about identity. Political ideologues have learned to weaponise identity to keep us fighting each other. People are no longer seen as complex individuals, but as avatars of a group: the immigrant, the Brexiteer, the feminist, the Tory. Entire ideologies are reduced to stereotypes, and from there, it’s easier to hate. It’s not about understanding anymore; it’s about winning. Not only is it about winning for the tribe, but the louder the tribal noise, the more politicians and commentators capitalise on it—plastering headlines and videos with words like ‘DESTROYED’ or ‘OWNED’ to reinforce their ideology. This isn't political discourse. It’s intellectual pornography, deepening the identity addiction of those unfortunate enough to be caught in its algorithmic grip.

When nuance dies, populism thrives. Leaders—left and right—use culture war flashpoints to rally supporters, distract from systemic issues, and present themselves as champions of ‘the people’ against whatever enemy they’ve invented that week. Objective truth becomes negotiable, so long as it serves the tribe’s narrative. The tribe’s name may change and evolve, but it maintains the same core principle: your dehumanisation in service to the elite. A fantastic example would be Charlie Kirk in his recent talks and ‘debates’ (if you can even call them that) in Cambridge. Younger, logical and passionate minds with depth, nuance and facts backing up their claims had challenged him on a number of points. A much more vast knowledge based, that steers away from the culture wars and into the pressing matters of the world, abortion rights, globalist agendas and so forth.

The point of this being is that the ‘culture wars’ and ‘OWNING’ younger college minds—who do make valid arguments—may struggle to articulate their points after consistent interruption, are being denied the opportunity for intellectual growth or to rethink their arguments in a way that is logical and coherent. Throw in some quick witted jokes and congratulations—you look smarter than a college educated individual. Lazy intellectual masturbation at its finest.

As a friendly reminder, regardless of what side you’re on politically, or even if you’re more open and wish to form your views independent of the thought bubbles being spurred across the internet, take a step back. Be critical of your own thoughts. Do not get lost in the mindless self-indulgence of someone else’s agenda.

Thank you for your time,

Jasper.