Although I’m grateful that, as a nation, we’ve moved beyond rigid social hierarchies like the concept of “the Great Chain of Being,” it’s clear that many remnants of structures like these still influence our society today. Whether it’s because of the environment in which the individual grew up, race and ethnicity, wages, or just the fact that some people look different and/or stand out, these hierarchical patterns continue to shape our job environment, life in school, and daily interactions—often in ways we don’t realize.
An example of this is that most people won’t treat a janitor (or any other minimal paying job) with the same respect as a CEO or someone associated with wealth and power. The same may also be shown with having a different race and ethnicity as others.
In the past, being of black or mixed ethnicity was always looked down upon as white races deemed themselves superior. In addition, even though society is more accepting, there are very concerning rates of suicide and bullying for black individuals compared to white individuals, particularly among the youth.
Factors and influences that will contribute to the significant disparities will be racism and discrimination which will lead to prejudice and feelings of hopelessness. Also, black youth often have less access to mental health support and services due to stigma (explained more in a different post!) and socioeconomic barriers, like living in underserved communities. In addition, influences like social media and TV shows or movies will associate black or mixed races with poverty, community violence and being in gangs with weapons and drugs.
Another common example that I have witnessed first hand is the unspoken hierarchy in high/secondary schools. Most students within those years will follow a curtain set of rules as to not become the victim to teenage cruelty and bullying, or at the bottom of said hierarchy. Those rules may include not speaking or being unreasonably cold or rude to a curtain set of kids, as well as being kinder or not getting on the bad side of another group(s) of kids.
This will happen, sometimes without noticing, because of the fear of being left out, lonely, bullied, or the subject of many rumours. Being at the bottom of this invisible hierarchy will make you feel invisible yourself or that everyone’s eyes are on you. I have personally watched too many students’ lives be drained and taken, as well as my own.
However, being at the top or close can either feel suffocating or powerful. I say this because in my experience I had to keep up appearances as well as social life, always worrying about others opinions on my looks and the way i acted around them, while also being a subject of peer pressure into bad choices that then lead to addiction. And don’t even get me started on how much drama kids create and for nothing, like it causes nothing but trouble, splitting up friend groups and year-wide fall-outs.
I also mentioned feeling powerful at the top, this is because you know that when you walk into a room most people nod and say hi. But those who have a disliking towards you, they can’t touch you because they know very well they will lose to ‘strength in numbers’.
As you grow older you might see the similarities between highschool and any other work or learning environment along with the people you meet. In some individuals’ minds, life will be that of a strategy game, your alliances and your rivals being the other people you are playing with and maintaining powerful alliances will offer you a chance at the top as well as nurturing your own money and status will get you there.
In short, most people are too busy worrying and fussing over what other people think, and also judging other people, that all anyone is going to do is hate and hate. So it doesn’t make any sense to add to that hate when you could do something that makes you happy and that you love. Because in the end, anyone other than yourself is all just noise; you have to decide if you’re going to let that noise stop you or get in the way of your dreams.
Ranita's Blog 