Social Question

marinelife's avatar

What is it in humans that makes us create kings or elevate some to higher status?

Asked by marinelife (62485points) July 26th, 2009

My husband says it is a result of primatological hierarchy, the silver-backed male phenomenon.

I find it odd that when people get money or power they begin to feel that they are different from the ordinary run of person.

I don’t think that they are. I also don’t think it is a good thing.

It seems, however, that many other people also think they are different or better.

Do you? What is the difference between you and, say, Prince Charles or you and (insert celebrity name here)?

It seems very intrinsic in us. Did you ever get upgraded to first class on a plane, and suddenly you are annoyed if someone from coach dares to come forward to use the bathroom?

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20 Answers

ragingloli's avatar

I agree with your husband. People crave for leadership, crave for being told what to do. Some fit the job description in the eyes of the masses and are accepted as leaders.

marinelife's avatar

@ragingloli Yes, but do you think some people are, in fact, better than others?

ragingloli's avatar

Some people are stronger than others. some are faster than others. some are more intelligent than others. some have more money than others.
In short, some people have more potential than others. But whether these people are “better” depends solely on how they use this potential.
And of course, Ideology.

Garebo's avatar

Some people are more gifted atheleticaly, physically, artisticlly and intellectually; and, therefore they excel in there pursuits over others. Doesn’t mean they are superior to others-society chooses to glamorize and exult them to a higher level. I think it is a form of envy. Besides most of these people are just as screwed up as anyone else-except maybe Oprah.

Capt_Bloth's avatar

I have never understood why some feel that other people know how to live their lives better than they do. there must be a better way to say that

Jenniehowell's avatar

The answer to your why in my opinion is two things First fear and Second insecurity. The truth is we are all created equal and in fact are all equal in what we can truly contribute to society regardless of our talents. We are all functioning as cells in one global body & should be working together for the better of the whole. Just like in our own human body some do more or less than others but that doesn’t make any more or less important as all parts of our body have specific functions. Also, just like in the human body the heart or lungs may get more resources than other parts but they are still only one part of the full function. We would not cut off our nose to spite our face and so we should not do the same to our fellow humans be they functioning in poverty or wealth. A snake has to drag it’s tail wherever it goes so does it not make sense to do all it can to strengthen and protect that tail? No one is more important than another and to make them so is to operate out of our fears and insecurities.

Nially_Bob's avatar

@Jenniehowell But who plays the brains in this cosmic analogy? Should they not be the people who take charge of the remaining biology?

ABoyNamedBoobs03's avatar

What is the only thing men with power want?

more power

you move up the corporate ladder for the same reason…

Nially_Bob's avatar

@ABoyNamedBoobs03 Is that why you weren’t satisfied being named Boob Boobs? You just couldn’t settle for one? 0_0

ABoyNamedBoobs03's avatar

lol who get’s excited over just one boob… lol I mean come on, you can’t blame me for voting in pairs.

Nially_Bob's avatar

@ABoyNamedBoobs03 Well I do find myself wanting to vote you into power rubs chin

mattbrowne's avatar

Defining pecking orders is a genetic program active in male brains. In prehistoric times it offered better survival chances. When the first towns were created leadership became even more important.

In modern times our rational mind is capable of using different approaches which have also proved effective in history. In most countries kings and queens are also seen as special representatives of people. An example is Queen Elisabeth II. Real power is with the government and parliament elected by people.

Zendo's avatar

LOL…Pecking order. Chicken follow this pattern! Just go to a large chicken coop and watch the roosters strut and crow. Welcome to your “higher status!”

Staalesen's avatar

Because most people want something to define what they can, and cannot do.
Some people are natural leaders, and thus many people flock to them for guidance.
Most people often thinks it looks easy to be on the top after a while, and then they will often try to elevate themself, so theyy can have it easier. This secures a fresh pool of leaders, of wich only the “best” (in the sense that they get there instead of others, no mentioning of ethics and such) will rise highest. And as mattbrowne said.. There is a certain genetic program for this. The leader of the tribe often is the person most people agree with, wich is in my opinion why opresive Tyrants dont last very long in the grand scheme

Jenniehowell's avatar

@nailly bob that’s a tuff one re who gets to be the brain – yes the brain & torso organs should run things & distribute the resources but logically we wouldn’t want a brain that doesn’t recognize the importance of all in the picture and end up cutting off portions just for the purpose of bulking up the major organs – an enlarged organ can be detrimental to the whole & should therefore logically be considered before actions are taken

dannyc's avatar

Insecurity. No man or woman is worthy of deification. (except my wife).

tiffyandthewall's avatar

i think it’s a matter of charisma, ego, and wanting to become a big shot.

JLeslie's avatar

Your question about being in first class and then someone from coach using the bathroom, that would not bother me at all, unless they were in there for a really long time. But just them using “my” bathroom would be fine.

I don’t think anyone is better than anyone else. We all have talents that matter. everything counts, from the guy who sweeps the floor to the President of a company. Everything needs to get done and it all has value and deserves respect.

In our society money does bring power. Even if you do not seek power over others, it gives the individual himself power, power over his own domain, independence, freedom. The life of the wealthy is different than the life of someone who worries about making ends meet.

marinelife's avatar

I saw another example yesterday. There was an article in the Washington Post about the British reaction to William’s relationship with Kate Middleton due to her crass uncle.

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