The Game Played by Bullies and Bigots

Chances are, whether willingly or not, you've been a participant in this game. In fact, a large part of the game is in getting people to play the game. Trickery, physical force, manipulation of authority figures, all are allowed to get people into the game. But, once in, the first rule is important.

Rule #1: The Target cannot win.

Have you ever asked "what have I ever done to you?" and got the response "you were born"? That's this rule in play. It's rule number one of the game. The rewards for victory in the game are feelings of strength and power and social acceptance and political power.

But, that's a rudimentary version. Children will sometimes play it. There's a new wrinkle that has to come in and, here, things get complex.

Rule #2: Never admit to Rule #1.

If you stick to Rule #2 just perfectly, you'll live by Rule #1, but never even acknowledge it within the depths of your own mind. You can speak it as clearly as possible but never actually believe that you've spoken it. So, at the same time you identify the losers of the game, you provide encouragement for them to win even as you ensure that they cannot.
( Read more... )