Deciphering Dominance, Submission, and Snobbery

Social Constructs and Evolutionary Impulses According to ChatGPT 3

Note: Last night I read a poorly written science fiction book (The 100) where one of the main themes was snobbery and class struggle. Got a bee in my bonnet this afternoon. Is there a connection?

I fed ChatGPT 3 various prompts, and after some massaging, it came out with this, Seems about right, but others may have different views on the matter. ChatGPT tends to confabulate often enough, but the overall gist seems to be sound.

I am trying not to be a snob; still working on my character. Such a struggle.

I adhere to no one spiritual tradition by the way, though will admit to being a humanist with moderate libertarian left leanings where they seem to support humanism.

"For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." — Gospel of Matthew 23:12 (NIV)

"Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." — Matthew 19:24 (NIV)

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." — Matthew 7:1-2 (NIV)

Introduction

Snobbery manifests itself in various behaviours and interests through a combination of self-aggrandizement and the denigration of others perceived as inferior.

In the fabric of human interaction, dominance, submission, and snobbery are intricately woven threads. Snobbery, showcasing superiority through material possessions or cultural preferences, is just one expression of this dynamic. Dominance is sought, submission accepted, and snobbery employed for social distinction, perpetuating hierarchical structures.

This interplay is influenced by both nature and nurture. Biological predispositions interact with socialization and cultural norms to shape behaviours. Drawing from spiritual and intellectual traditions, practices like humility and empathy offer insights for navigating these complexities.

In understanding dominance, submission, and snobbery, we embark on a journey of introspection. Through this exploration, we seek not only to decode human behaviour but also to foster empathy and authenticity in our interactions.

Examples of Snobbery

Here are numerous examples where hidden competition via bragging rights is evident:

1.                               Race, Ethnicity, and Religion: Snobbery can manifest in discriminatory attitudes toward individuals of different racial, ethnic, or religious backgrounds. Snobs might perceive their own race, ethnicity, or religion as superior and look down upon others for their cultural practices or beliefs. They may boast about their own cultural heritage or religious affiliations while disparaging those of others, reinforcing social divisions and hierarchies based on identity.

2.                               Material Possessions: A snob might flaunt their luxury car, designer clothing, or expensive jewellery as a way to showcase their wealth and taste. Meanwhile, they may disparage others for not having similarly expensive possessions, implying that their own material wealth elevates them above others.

3.                               Technology and Gadgets: Snobs might flaunt the latest gadgets, tech innovations, or luxury electronic devices as symbols of their sophistication and status. They may criticize others for not keeping up with the latest trends or for using less expensive or prestigious brands, implying that their own technological choices are superior.

4.                               Accomplishments and Achievements: Snobs may engage in subtle competition over accomplishments and achievements, constantly highlighting their own successes and accolades. They might belittle others for their perceived lack of ambition or for pursuing different paths to success, implying that their own achievements are more noteworthy and prestigious.

5.                               Education and Intellectual Pursuits: Snobs often boast about their prestigious alma maters, advanced degrees, or intellectual achievements to assert their intellectual superiority. They might belittle others for their lack of education or for pursuing different intellectual interests, portraying themselves as more cultured or refined.

6.                               Physical Appearance and Fitness: Snobs may engage in subtle competition over physical appearance and fitness, boasting about their strict diet regimens, personal trainers, or cosmetic procedures. They might criticize others' appearances or lifestyles, insinuating that their own dedication to health and beauty sets them apart.

7.                               Professional Achievements: Snobs may constantly highlight their career accomplishments, prestigious job titles, or lucrative business ventures as evidence of their success and superiority. They might subtly undermine the achievements of others or dismiss alternative career paths as less worthy of respect or admiration.

8.                               Social Connections: Snobs often tout their connections to influential or high-status individuals as a way to elevate their own social standing. They might name-drop celebrities or powerful figures they claim to know personally, while subtly undermining the social connections of others as less prestigious or significant.

9.                               Parenting and Family Life: Snobs might boast about their children's accomplishments, prestigious schools, or enriching extracurricular activities as a reflection of their superior parenting skills. They may judge others' parenting choices or family dynamics, insinuating that their own approach is more enlightened or effective.

10.                            Cultural Preferences: Snobs may look down upon others for their taste in music, art, literature, or film, considering their own preferences to be superior. They might brag about attending exclusive cultural events or owning rare artworks, while dismissing others' tastes as unsophisticated or inferior.

11.                            Travel and Experiences: Snobs might boast about their exotic vacations, fine dining experiences, or exclusive memberships to elite clubs or resorts. They may disparage others for their lack of travel or for choosing less glamorous destinations, implying that their own experiences are more refined or sophisticated.

12.                            Wine Tastes: Wine snobbery often revolves around boasting about one's knowledge of fine wines, sophisticated palate, or collection of rare vintages. Snobs may criticize others for their lack of wine expertise or for drinking inexpensive or mass-produced wines, implying that their own taste in wine is more refined and discerning.

13.                            Music Abilities and Taste: Musical snobs may boast about their musical talents, extensive music collection, or eclectic taste in music genres. They might denigrate others for their lack of musical knowledge or for enjoying mainstream or popular music, asserting that their own musical preferences are more sophisticated and culturally elevated.

14.                            Sports: Sports snobbery often revolves around boasting about one's knowledge of sports statistics, teams, or players. Snobs may criticize others for their lack of sports knowledge or for supporting rival teams, implying that their own fandom is more authentic and dedicated. Additionally, sports snobbery can extend to participation in sports, with individuals boasting about their athletic abilities or achievements while disparaging others for their lack of skill or athleticism.

·         e.g., Mountain Climbing: In outdoor enthusiast communities, mountain climbing snobbery can manifest in boasting about summiting challenging peaks, completing difficult routes, or conquering extreme conditions. Climbing snobs may look down upon others for their less adventurous climbing experiences or for avoiding risky climbs, asserting their own courage and expertise in the sport.

In each of these examples, snobbery is characterized by a sense of superiority and exclusivity, as individuals seek to elevate themselves while putting down others perceived as inferior. The underlying competition for social status and recognition drives individuals to assert their dominance and reinforce their position within various social circles.

Integration of Ideas Related to Snobbery

Snobbery involves a combination of self-promotion and the denigration of others to establish a sense of superiority. The underlying competition for bragging rights is driven by a desire to assert dominance and reinforce one's position within social hierarchies.

The development of attitudes such as snobbery, dominance, and submission is influenced by both nature and nurture, reflecting a complex interplay of biological predispositions and environmental factors.

Let's delve deeper into how these concepts intertwine and feed into each other within social dynamics:

1.                               Hierarchy and Social Dynamics: At the core of these concepts lies the notion of hierarchy. In any social group, there's a natural inclination toward establishing a hierarchy of dominance and submission. Dominance is sought after by individuals aiming to assert control or influence, while others may willingly submit to this dominance to maintain social order or avoid conflict. This hierarchical structure forms the foundation upon which other dynamics unfold.

2.                               Elitism as a Driving Force: Elitism, often fuelled by a desire for status, emerges within hierarchical structures. Those who perceive themselves as part of an elite group may exhibit behaviours of dominance, seeking to maintain their position atop the social hierarchy. This pursuit of superiority can lead to the disparagement of those deemed inferior, reinforcing the elitist mindset.

3.                               Snobbery and Status Maintenance: Snobbery is a manifestation of elitism, where individuals flaunt their perceived superiority over others. This behaviour serves to maintain their status within the social hierarchy. Through snobbish attitudes and behaviours, individuals bolster their sense of self-worth and reaffirm their position among the elite, often by disparaging those they consider beneath them.

4.                               Competition as a Catalyst: Competition acts as a catalyst within these dynamics, driving individuals to vie for higher status or elite recognition. In competitive environments, the desire to outperform others intensifies, leading to increased displays of dominance, snobbery, and self-congratulation. The pursuit of status becomes intertwined with the quest for dominance, as individuals seek to rise above their peers.

5.                               Self-Congratulation and Reinforcement: Self-congratulation serves as a means of reinforcing one's status and dominance within the social hierarchy. Individuals may engage in self-praise to validate their position among the elite or to assert their superiority over others. This behaviour further entrenches the hierarchical structure by perpetuating a cycle of self-affirmation and status maintenance.

6.                               Interconnected Feedback Loops: These concepts form interconnected feedback loops within social dynamics. Elitism fuels competition, which in turn reinforces hierarchies of dominance and submission. Snobbery and disparagement serve to maintain the status quo, while self-congratulation reinforces individual positions within the hierarchy. Each concept influences and reinforces the others, shaping the complex tapestry of social interactions.

In summary, these concepts are deeply intertwined within social dynamics, forming a complex web of interactions driven by the pursuit of status, dominance, and superiority. Understanding their interconnectedness provides insight into the underlying mechanisms that govern social behaviour and hierarchy.

The Interplay of Nature and Nurture in the Development of Elitist Attitudes

All living animal species exhibit dominance and submission. In all animals, dominant positions give greater access to the good things in life including food, water, and access to the opposite sex. These are drivers, and are undoubtedly wired in genetically. The exact expression of these things will vary from individual to individual, and will be shaped by environmental influences. People, at base, are shaped in the same ways.

1.                               Nature (Biological Predispositions):

·                                 Evolutionary Psychology: Some theories suggest that certain social behaviours, including dominance and submission, have evolutionary roots. In the animal kingdom, dominance hierarchies are common, and individuals often compete for resources, territory, and mates. Humans may have inherited some of these tendencies from our evolutionary ancestors.

·                                 Genetic Factors: There may be genetic predispositions that influence individual personality traits related to dominance, submission, and social status. Research in behavioural genetics suggests that genes play a role in shaping temperament, social behaviour, and other psychological characteristics.

·                                 Neurobiology: Brain structures and neurotransmitter systems implicated in social behaviour, such as the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and serotonin pathways, may contribute to individual differences in dominance and submission tendencies. Variations in neurobiology could influence how individuals perceive and respond to social hierarchies and power dynamics.

2.                               Nurture (Environmental Influences):

·                                 Socialization: Socialization processes, including family dynamics, peer interactions, cultural norms, and societal expectations, play a significant role in shaping attitudes and behaviours related to dominance and submission. Children learn social hierarchies and power dynamics through observation, imitation, and reinforcement within their social environments.

·                                 Cultural Influences: Cultural beliefs and values regarding social status, hierarchy, and power can shape attitudes toward dominance and submission. In some cultures, assertiveness and competitiveness may be encouraged and rewarded, while in others, humility and deference may be valued traits.

·                                 Environmental Experiences: Life experiences, such as early childhood experiences, trauma, socioeconomic status, and educational opportunities, can influence attitudes and behaviours related to dominance and submission. Individuals who experience adversity or discrimination may develop defensive or submissive behaviours, while those who experience privilege or success may exhibit more dominant or entitled attitudes.

Relating these attitudes to dominance and submission, it's important to recognize that dominance and submission are fundamental aspects of social behaviour across the living world. In nature, organisms often compete for resources, establish social hierarchies, and engage in cooperative or competitive interactions. Similarly, humans exhibit a range of behaviours related to dominance and submission in social contexts, influenced by both biological predispositions and environmental factors.

In conclusion, while biological factors may predispose individuals to certain attitudes and behaviours related to dominance and submission, environmental influences such as socialization, cultural norms, and life experiences play a crucial role in shaping these attitudes. Understanding the interplay between nature and nurture can provide insights into the development of complex social behaviours and attitudes observed in human societies.

Cultivating Humility and Balance

Improving one's character involves cultivating humility, fostering balance, and reducing judgmental tendencies. Great spiritual and intellectual traditions offer valuable insights and practices for achieving these goals. One concept that resonates deeply with this endeavour is the Japanese idea of sochin.

Sochin: The Japanese Concept of Inner Peace and Balance

Sochin, rooted in Japanese culture and philosophy, encompasses the pursuit of inner peace, balance, and harmony. It emphasizes humility, self-awareness, and equanimity in the face of challenges. To cultivate sochin, individuals strive to:

1.                               Embrace Humility: Recognize the inherent limitations of one's knowledge, abilities, and perspective. Embracing humility fosters openness to learning from others and acknowledging the value of diverse viewpoints.

2.                               Practice Self-Reflection: Engage in regular introspection to assess one's thoughts, emotions, and actions. Self-reflection promotes self-awareness and enables individuals to identify and address biases, prejudices, and judgmental tendencies.

3.                               Cultivate Empathy: Seek to understand and empathize with the experiences, perspectives, and feelings of others. Cultivating empathy fosters compassion, connection, and mutual respect, reducing the inclination to judge or look down upon others.

4.                               Strive for Balance: Seek balance in all aspects of life, including work, relationships, and personal well-being. Balancing priorities and commitments helps prevent excessive focus on material possessions, status, or achievements, fostering a more holistic and fulfilling existence.

Insights from Spiritual and Intellectual Traditions

Across various spiritual and intellectual traditions, there are shared principles and practices aimed at improving character and fostering personal growth:

1.                               Eastern Philosophies (e.g., Buddhism, Taoism): Emphasize the importance of mindfulness, detachment, and acceptance of impermanence. Practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and contemplation cultivate inner peace, wisdom, and equanimity, reducing attachment to ego-driven desires and judgments.

2.                               Western Philosophical Traditions (e.g., Stoicism, Humanism): Advocate for virtues such as temperance, wisdom, and compassion. Stoic practices encourage acceptance of external events beyond one's control and the development of resilience in the face of adversity. Humanistic principles promote empathy, rationality, and ethical behaviour grounded in compassion and respect for human dignity.

3.                               Religious Teachings (e.g., Christianity, Islam, Judaism): Highlight moral virtues, including humility, kindness, and forgiveness. Religious teachings encourage self-examination, repentance, and forgiveness as means of spiritual growth and reconciliation. Practices such as prayer, charity, and community service foster humility and compassion toward others.

Practical Strategies for Personal Growth

To cultivate humility, balance, and reduce judgmental tendencies in everyday life, consider the following practical strategies:

1.                               Practice Gratitude: Cultivate gratitude for life's blessings and the contributions of others. Recognize and appreciate the interconnectedness of all beings, fostering humility and a sense of interconnectedness.

2.                               Engage in Active Listening: Listen attentively to others without judgment or interruption. Practice empathy by seeking to understand their perspectives and experiences, even if they differ from your own.

3.                               Challenge Assumptions: Question your own biases, prejudices, and preconceived notions. Challenge assumptions about superiority or inferiority based on external markers such as wealth, status, or appearance.

4.                               Seek Diverse Perspectives: Expose yourself to diverse viewpoints, cultures, and experiences. Engage in dialogue with individuals from different backgrounds to broaden your understanding and cultivate empathy.

5.                               Practice Mindfulness: Cultivate present-moment awareness through mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga. Mindfulness enhances self-awareness, emotional regulation, and compassion toward oneself and others.

6.                               Reflect on Values: Reflect on your core values and aspirations in life. Align your thoughts, words, and actions with principles of integrity, kindness, and respect for others.

7.                               Embrace Imperfection: Embrace the inherent imperfections of oneself and others. Recognize that growth and learning are ongoing processes, and mistakes are opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

By incorporating these principles and practices into daily life, individuals can gradually transform their character, cultivating humility, balance, and compassion toward oneself and others. Through continuous self-reflection and conscious effort, one can strive toward the ideal of sochin – inner peace and harmony amidst life's complexities and challenges.

Summary

In summary, dominance, submission, and snobbery are fundamental components of human social dynamics. They reflect our innate desires for recognition, status, and belonging. By examining these phenomena, we gain insight into the complexities of human behaviour and social hierarchies.

While snobbery may manifest in various forms, such as flaunting material possessions or denigrating others, it ultimately serves as a mechanism for individuals to assert their perceived superiority. This behaviour is often intertwined with dominance, as individuals vie for social status and control within their respective communities.

Moreover, the interplay of nature and nurture shapes our attitudes and behaviours related to these constructs. Biological predispositions interact with socialization processes, cultural norms, and personal experiences to influence how we perceive and engage with dominance, submission, and snobbery.

In navigating these dynamics, embracing principles of humility and empathy becomes crucial. By cultivating a deeper understanding of ourselves and others, we can foster more authentic connections and mitigate the negative effects of snobbery and dominance-driven behaviours.

Ultimately, by recognizing the role of dominance, submission, and snobbery in our social interactions, we can strive towards creating more inclusive and empathetic communities. Through conscious effort and introspection, we can contribute to the cultivation of healthier social dynamics where mutual respect and understanding prevail.

Appendix A: Spiritual Teachings

1.       Baha'i Faith: In the Baha'i Faith, the principle of the oneness of humanity is central. Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Baha'i Faith, taught, "Lay not on any soul a load that you would not wish to be laid upon you, and desire not for anyone the things you would not desire for yourself."

2.       Christianity (Protestant Tradition): In addition to the quotes from Jesus mentioned earlier, Protestant Christianity often emphasizes humility and refraining from judgment through various teachings and passages.

·         James 4:12 (NIV): "There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?"

·         Romans 14:10 (NIV): "You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat."

3.       Christianity (Catholic Tradition): Similarly, within the Catholic tradition, teachings on humility and refraining from judgment are central to spiritual growth.

·         Matthew 7:3-5 (NIV): "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye."

·         Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV): "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."

4.       Christianity (Orthodox Tradition): Within Orthodox Christianity, teachings on humility and refraining from judgment are deeply rooted in the teachings of the early church fathers and the liturgical tradition.

·         Luke 6:37-38 (NIV): "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

·         Galatians 6:1-2 (NIV): "Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

5.       Confucianism: Confucian teachings emphasize respect for others and self-cultivation. Confucius said, "Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself." This teaching, known as the Golden Rule, encourages individuals to consider the impact of their actions on others.

6.       Jainism: Jainism emphasizes non-violence (ahimsa) and non-attachment. Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, taught, "He who does not grieve nor desires, who neither rejoices nor hates, who neither laments nor covets, is dear to me."

7.       Native American Spirituality: Many Native American cultures emphasize interconnectedness and respect for all beings. The Lakota Sioux have a saying, "Mitakuye Oyasin," which means "all my relations" or "we are all related." This reflects the belief in the interconnectedness of all life forms and the importance of treating others with respect and compassion.

8.       Sikhism: In Sikhism, humility is considered a central virtue. Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, taught, "

These teachings from diverse spiritual traditions emphasize the importance of humility, compassion, and empathy in human interactions. They encourage individuals to refrain from passing judgment on others and to treat all beings with respect and kindness, fostering harmony and unity in society.