Hierarchy & its Consequences

What happens when we organize ourselves in hierarchal structures? Do we learn that someone always must be “in control?” Do we seek to find an “expert” or “teacher” or “leader” or “healer?” Are we ever in this position ourselves?

Is this the most effective way for navigating life experience, to always look to someone else for permission, for “guidance” or for validation of your own choices?

Our earliest experience is with our parents. They are “responsible” for us in the eyes of a hierarchal society. Therefore, they must “guide” us. This guidance takes many forms, from direct orders backed by threat of punishment to gentle suggestions backed by actual parental behavior & of course everything in between. We “grow up” with the sense that we are being watched by our parents. Maybe this feels loving, maybe it doesn't.

Almost immediately we are sent to “school” where we must “learn.” No one ever asks what we already know, what we’ve been observing or what questions we might have. We are considered “empty vessels” to be filled by someone “in the know.”

This relationship to learning continues on through the “highest” levels, until, at last, we are asked to produce something “original.” Yet, whatever we produce must be backed up by “citations” to others’ work. Our “original” thought must find agreement with what has already been “approved.”

Similarly, we go to lectures, “shows” & events where we listen to or watch those who want to inform us, entertain us or offer an experience.

At work we usually face similar relationships. We have bosses or supervisors. In any case, we are trained to turn to someone else if we aren't sure how to proceed.

How does this affect our ability to trust our own ability to problem solve, to think & reason clearly or to open to inner guidance? What happens when an entire group of people have learned to depend on “leaders” of one form or another?

On the “other side,” what happens to leaders who expect us to follow them, to believe them, even to “adore” them? What happens to teachers when they expect students to carefully follow & parrot their every word? What happens to bosses when they can fire anyone who disagrees with work requirements?

What sort of society does hierarchal organization produce? Can we imagine other ways of living together? Can we take on the self responsibility other ways might require? What sort of self awareness would this demand of us?