YP Letters: Shrinking world of tribal loyalties

A POLICY “think tank” has realised that humans like to live amongst their own kind (The Yorkshire Post, January 28), but they don’t seem to be able to quite put their finger on why that is.

To save them thinking about it any more let me explain.

We are all fiercely tribal, it’s a survival mechanism built into in all creatures and its what has got them through the ages.

It’s not illegal and we are all very proud of it judging by the extent to which we wear the hat, tattoos, T-shirt, hairstyle, colours, etc. which associate us with others who share our personal values.

The Romans did a reasonable job of wiping out our tribal system (Boadicea & Co) then it took almost 2,000 years to channel our blind tribal hatred into relatively harmless participation in Saturday afternoon conflicts, but it’s still very much there under the surface.

New arrivals to our shores seem to get into the swing 
of this in a generation or 
two.

The problem facing humans (and many animals for that matter) is that wide open spaces which have always separated warring tribes are rapidly shrinking bringing sworn enemies ever closer with many living cheek by jowl in crowded European cities.

Some are even hostile to the host population.

Now that does need some thought to solve. Over to you “think tank”.

Eye firm’s lack of clarity

From: A Simmonds, Scarborough.

CHANCELLOR George Osborne claims to be ensuring that large companies have to pay tax like everyone else.

Why then does the DVLA insist that drivers taking their eye test can only be seen by a specific firm, Specsavers, whose headquarters are in Guernsey?

I have no idea what response the taxman receives, but when I was referred there by my local branch after I had a complaint regarding my treatment I got no response whatsoever.

There is no effective regulator in this sector either.

Big money is piece of cake

From: James Robson, West End, Kirkymoorside.

RE The Great British rake-off. As one of the great Northern comedians might say, “how tickled we are” to learn 
of the £100,000 raise given 
to Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood. – taking their earnings for the coming year to £600,000 each?

What an hilarious way to begin the year and how richly they both deserve it for doing a spot of baking. No doubt plans are afoot in most of our rundown Northern cities and redundant industrial areas for street parties to celebrate this success, although I have heard that the steel workers of Redcar intend to invite the erstwhile bakers to their party where trestle tables will be piled high with custard pies around an ominous pair of stocks. Shame on the BBC for offering such an absurd amount, and shame on Berry and Hollywood for accepting it.

No sympathy for driver

From: John Dearden, Almondbury, Huddersfield.

WHY is it that people who have been properly prosecuted for failing to comply with traffic signs feel it is necessary thereafter to write to a newspaper to announce their stupidity to the whole world like Ian Barnes of York (The Yorkshire Post, January 27).

Anyone who fails to see the broad white line in the road at a bus lane together with the big blue sign at the side of the road is clearly a menace, and shouldn’t be on the road. When they write to the paper, do they think that we are sympathetic? Let me tell them, we are not. We are pleased that they are punished and hope that they will pay proper attention to the road in future.

Enough on 
Sir Terry

From: Coun Tim Mickleburgh (Lab), Grimsby.

WHY do you go overboard in the coverage you give to the death of media celebrities? I can understand David Bowie to some extent, for at least he was an innovative artist who left a valued legacy, but Sir Terry Wogan was simply a broadcaster who, to me, left a lot to be desired as a DJ because he talked over the records we used to listen to.

Still at least he had a charitable side to him, unlike some of today’s stars.

Big Issue is not begging

From: Graham Readshaw, Daisy Road, Brighouse.

REGARDING Mr Treacher’s letter “Bone to pick” (The Yorkshire Post, January 27), does he not realise that Big Issue sellers are working for a living and not begging. If they are working they are perfectly entitled to have a dog, a cat or whatever else they may desire, just as is Mr Treacher.

If you were to buy a Big Issue, Mr Treacher, you would probably learn more about the ethos behind it and its vendors, all of whom seem to be thoroughly pleasant and courteous people.