Over the last month or so, EEE has posted some thought-provoking messages about hierarchies in both law enforcement and the military. As I recall, within law enforcement, the feds look down upon the state police, who in turn have disdain for the local constabulary, and they no doubt barely tolerate the various security guards with whom they interact. And I imagine the mall security guard won't acknowledge the neighborhood crossing guard!
In the military, EEE mentioned that the regular military view the national guard members with something that may well border on contempt. Correct me, EEE, if that's too strong. I would bet that the Marines feel superior to the Army, and they both view the Navy and Air Force as less manly, and of course they all can rag on the Coast Guard, and let's not even get to the jokes about the Space Force!
These hierarchical structures are surely present in every industry. Within education, I have observed fellow teachers snubbing paraeducators (formerly known as teacher's assistants). And if you are unacquainted with schools, the paras are the best value out there! I've known paras who were more skilled than the teachers they worked for! But I digress.
In our evolutionary past, the alpha males most assuredly played vital roles for the security of the tribe, and as various groups grew, monarchical and political hierarchies were absolutely necessary to keep order so societies could grow and thrive.
I get it...to a degree, but I have to think that human insecurities are often at the root of a lot of conflict, especially where one perceives one's place in the hierarchy. I sense that the rise of Trump is intertwined with the loss of status and place on the hierarchy by many people who were for centuries afforded status simply by being born male or white or Christian or heterosexual. They see the advances of women, African-Americans, gays, and non-Christians as genuine threats to their position on the status ladder. They desperately need someone to occupy the ladder beneath them, someone to look down upon! Human insecurities! They aren't going away anytime soon!
Peter T.
