It is sometimes said that music is the oldest language, and it is therefore evident that music as a language is also present within the tribes discussed here. The French revolutionaries knew the ‘Chant de guerre pour l'Armee du Rhin’, later better known as the Marseillaise. The extremes of the political spectrum also used singing as a common language: the International unites the left, while the extreme right calls for ‘linkse ratten, rol uw matten’*. On the other hand, however, the right unites behind national anthems, while the extreme right is fought with, for example, Fight the power of Public Enemy. The peace movement gently hums 'Give peace a chance', and clenches its anger in Jimmy Hendricks' guitar solo, Bruce Springsteen's raw voice or Bob Dylan's witty lyrics. Together with others, Sting wondered if the Russians did like their own children too. And even Pussy Riot and Spice Girls ensure that the power of women can unite behind music.

And today we see another movement. One that makes large groups of people identify with each other, and that has almost all the characteristics of a tribe. Yet this movement does not succeed in unifying itself in a clearly recognizable way. I'm talking about the environmental movement, of course. While 16-year-old Greta's speech clearly divides people into believers and non-believers, tribesmen and opponents, the Climate Crisis-tribe does not succeed in clearly grouping and strengthening itself. On the contrary. Fragmented, this would-be tribe takes up the fight: teenagers strike toothless every week, the older green movement gets easily put aside without any fighting spirit, and a whole group of concerned citizens remain a bit indifferent on social media, with the only weapon being a thumbs up.