Discrimination and Animal Instincts

Discrimination and Animal Instincts.

Discrimination starts with domination. ‘To Dominate’ is a part of our many Animal instincts, like ‘Fight to posses’, ‘Reproduce’, ‘Hunt’, ‘Territorial’ etc. Animals discriminate naturally and so do men………but there is a difference.

The Man hurts. Read on.

Animals naturally try to dominate - their own kind or other species. Hierarchy is one of the strongest pillars of the social structure in Animals. Alfa males in Lions, Chimps, Crocs, Hippos, Buffalos, Wildebeest, the list is endless, they all dominate. Also, dominant females in Hyenas and Elephants, they all dominate others in their groups. At every given opportunity they would show others, who is the boss? All these herds have their own internal hierarchy and it is understood by all the members clearly. Any attempt by the lowly placed member to dislodge the higher member is immediately seen as rebellion and dealt in that spirit. If the rebel turns the table on the higher member then he rises in the hierarchy but if he losses, then he is severely reprimanded by the higher member. A member who enjoys higher level in hierarchy enjoys preferential right to mate and to access bigger portion of food. And in the process they have a better chance to live a fuller life.

A Lion Alfa male’s almost 60 percent food comes from the kills made by Lionesses or snatched from other predators. He discriminates big time. He is the most dominant one in the pride and claims the first right over food. In return he offers security to the pride, wards of unwanted intruders and guards the territory. He resolves the infighting if the need be and enforces a social rule, which basically tilts heavily in his favor, but such is the nature of the complicated pride structure. Other submissive young males rank after the alfa males. Lionesses are third in the line followed by cubs. They all claim their share of food in that order.

Discrimination through domination is an Animal instinct.

That was about dominating their own folks. What about Lions dominating other predators? Lions try to dominate all other predators in their territory. Hyenas are their special enemies because Hyenas pose a realistic challenge to Lions, when Hyenas out number Lions. There have been wars between feuding Hyenas and Lions for territories and many soldiers have died in those wars. Lions threaten, chase away and kill other predators operating in their territories. They fully dominate on any living thing in the territory. Hyenas dominate on Cheetahs and Leopards. Leopards and Cheetahs dominate smaller predators like the Fox.

Elephant’s domination in the wild can not be challenged. Size does matter. It is well understood by all Animals that when Elephants arrive at a water hole, it is time for the others to leave. If they do not, they shall be chased away, quite rudely. The mighty Lions and Crocs must comply too, though they comply, but very reluctantly. No predator can think of attempting an attack on the Elephant herd for a hunt. Elephants are way too powerful and strong for other predators. United, it is easier for them to ward off any such attack. Allthough there have been instances of Lions and Hyenas killing an isolated very young Elephant or an injured, aging Elephant but those are rare cases. Elephants dominate the land they walk, there is no competition.

Domination is not a sole male domain. [Do I see a smile on the lips of the feminists?] As you have noticed that the powerful Elephant herds are led by females. Like Elephants, the alfa female in wolves has the sole right to mate the alfa male, all other females can either leave the herd or look after her babies collectively. Senior Lioness in the pride dominates over her daughters, sisters and cubs. Hyena clans are lead by the alfa female.

Domination quite naturally takes us to discrimination because Domination leaves no place for equality.

So what is the difference between Animals that discriminate and Human beings that discriminate?

When an alfa dominant Lion, guards his territory, he is bound to discriminate against other members of the pride. In the Animal world it could pass and is accepted in the name of survival. What happens among the Humans? In some societies, discrimination has taken a criminal level spreading sorrow and hatred, ruining lives. Anything that spreads sorrow needs to be stopped. No one, absolutely no one in this world has the right to make others sad. Discrimination in Human beings is like a disease that destroys many lives.

Human nature has some great virtues and when these virtues are practiced, Humans tend to become selfless. Equality and Empathy are these virtues. Obviously you will not find them in Animals because these virtues are exclusively Human. When Human beings adhere to these beautiful virtues you have little discrimination in the societies. But we are not only controlled by Human nature, we are controlled by Animal instincts too.

Bad news is Discrimination will stay to a certain degree in all societies. Good news is it is very easy to deal with it, with KNOWLEDGE. Let’s see how.

In some modern Human societies, discrimination has taken a very deplorable form, which is quite sad. Infact Discrimination is again a barometer to check the true evolution of any society. You can declare a discriminating community ‘less evolved’ without knowing anything more about them.

It is that direct. If Evolution is on the rise then Discrimination has to be on the decline.

The Discriminating lot lacks Human grace and that makes them look ugly. If a society that eats well, dresses well and appears quite affluent but if it practices discrimination then they are a fake society. Their progress is skin deep, may be they are just materialistic, the progress is not real, not genuine. On the contrary, if a society that has limited food sources, dresses modestly and looks like progressing along slowly but does not discriminate, then they are a better, greater society than the earlier one. I would live with them, any time.

What is discrimination in Human beings?

In plain words, Not accepting equality and denying opportunities is discrimination.

There are two groups, one is the Discriminated and the other is Discriminating. Let’s call the first group D-1 and the second D-2.

First let’s understand, why Humans and Animal discriminate?

Any group of Humans or Animals, usually enjoy available limited resources. There is always a tough competition to corner those resources like food, land, provisions, oil, water etc. ‘Equality’ and ‘opportunities for all’ means fair sharing. For Human beings, division in the resources means, lowering the regular supply of resources. It means giving up ‘exclusivity’ and accepting ‘sharing’. To accommodate others you decrease your share. So, one is left with two options either to deny certain options to a particular group or accommodate that group gracefully.

In Animals it is very simple and uncomplicated. Animal’s are driven by the desire to reproduce and to have sufficient food. Competition is stiff for both. Discrimination ensures that you have better choices than your competitor to get both- chance to reproduce and first right over food. Animals would discriminate without batting an eyelid, it is a survival issue for them. They discriminate or they die.

Like the herd Animals we are, we sniff warily at the strange one among us.

Loren Eiseley

When Humans accommodate others gracefully, they are considered a great modern community. ‘Human nature’ is why we are different from Animals. Modern Humanity believes in equality and equal opportunities for all. Equality in Human nature allows you to think beyond, it gives you a bigger picture. It helps you understand how to ‘Respect fellow Human beings’.

Any individual in this world, be he a beggar from the streets or a millionaire banker, both deserve the same basic respect, as Human beings. Their right to live and utilize resources of this earth is equal. Yes, in their social hierarchy the banker may be many notches higher, but not at the existence level. And that is where our Human grace, Human nature plays a role. Human nature helps you understand that every individual on this planet has his own self-respect, he has an equal right to all the opportunities the planet earth has offered. Human nature offers that self respect to that individual and keeps opportunities open to all. Evolved modern Humans believe in equality. Equality leads to sharing.

Yes, it all sounds quite all right but for many it is mighty difficult to practice. Because the conflict here is between Animal instinct and Human nature. Your Human nature tells you to practice equality, be accommodative but your Animal instincts tell you to be territorial, to be discriminatory. Your Human nature helps you understand that the opportunities are for all but your Animal instincts want to monopolize the opportunities.

Why discrimination is one of the most complex issues in the world? Because it is a conflict between the two factors that affect the Human brain- the Human nature and the Animal instinct. They are guiding the brain exactly in the opposite directions, at the same time. The result is a real mess.

So you better be a better Human and less Animal to deal with discrimination. That way the conflict is reduced and so is the tug of war in your mind.

Now, let’s see the groups D-1 and D-2, if you are in D-1 group then let’s see how discrimination can be dealt effectively and be removed from your life. And if you are in D-2 group then let’s see how you can get rid of this inhuman practice.

It goes without saying that comparatively the task for D-1 is difficult than for D-2, however the end result for D-1 is much more liberating, profound and one of the most crucial in life, probably than D-2.

D-1

There are two things with which we can remove discrimination from our lives. Knowledge and action plan. The analysis above of the phenomenon called discrimination is a part of that knowledge. There is one very crucial point that comes across from this analysis and that is discrimination happens because it is an Animal instinct. We also know that upping the Human nature is crucial in removing discrimination and suppressing Animal instincts is crucial in removing discrimination. Now, this must happen in the minds of both the Discriminated and Discriminating.

Let’s take one hypothetical example to understand this better. X is being discriminated at work by Y. The discrimination could be based on race, religion, region, anything. Discrimination means Y is blocking all the opportunities for X. The opportunities could be in the form of monetary gain, social status, or something else.

Our goal here for X is to suppress the Animal instincts and behave like a superior Human being. First thing first, believe in our analysis and be confident. If you completely believe in the analysis above and want the transformation to happen, you can make it happen. Have that confidence. Have a great sense of humor which is a part of being confident. Your positioning as a self assured confident individual is important.

Y would attack you in a very predictable way.

1. He will talk to you with disrespect.
2. He will ignore you.
3. He will sideline you.
4. He will physically fight with you.

What happens when he disrespects you? Use your sense of humor and you will confuse the Animal in him. He will be completely surprised by this reaction. By disrespecting you the Animal instinct in him is provoking you to fight with him. There is nothing wrong in taking on a fight for equality, infact you should, it is all for a good cause, but not now. We will talk about fights later. This is the time to completely fox him and tell him that dealing with you is going to be unusual. His stupid remarks either do not matter to you or you find them so stupid that you actually can crack a joke about that. You have all the moral, ethical right to make his views look small and petty because it was an unprovoked attack and what you are doing is ‘answering it’. I hate the word self protection. You are not weak you are smart, that is why you are exercising the sense of humor. Having a sense of humor is great but to use it during trying times is very difficult. But if you can do that, you are on the right track. He wants to fight with you with swords and you have pulled out a weapon which he does not understand, he is confused, leave him confused and you move on. Confused, stupid people is the worst sight anyway. So polish your sense of humor and practice it with confidence.

Now he may try to ignore you at work place. Great! What an opportunity! Air your views confidently and methodically while he chooses to remain silent. His sulking is counter productive for him. Do not make a point desperately because you have to say something. Think what you want to say and say it emphatically. You need not ignore him, and need not make him feel special either as you address a group. He is like all of us. So polish your oratory skills and exercise in front of your bedroom mirror and say it with confidence when it is supposed to be delivered.

Now, he tries to sideline you and blocks opportunities for you.

Protest. If you think you are the best suited, most eligible guy for the job and if you are sidelined by him, you must protest. Now, the trick is, do it with complete calmness. Anger is your enemy. It is not that you were not expecting it. You knew it was coming, what else can you expect from a discriminating person? Do not give him the satisfaction of rattling you, ruffling you. The more calmer you remain the more miserable he will feel. Your protest has to be methodical, focused, and confidently emphatic.

At the same time you better be good at your job, you better be very good at your skills. It means that if you are a carpenter, you better be a very good carpenter. If you are a scientist you better be a very good scientist. Your protest will hold any meaning, only if you are very good at your work. If you are inferior in your skills or craft and want to progress using your discriminated status then it is a sad situation. You should concentrate on acquiring the skills first, be very good at what you do and then you can fight discrimination successfully. You better be one of the most deserving candidates around.

Man is a rational Animal who always loses his temper when he is called upon to act in accordance with the dictates of reason.

Oscar Wilde

Yes, as a desperate measure he will fight with you. It could be a verbal or a physical fight. Do not shy away from a good fight. Equality and cowardice do not go hand in hand. Fight is OK but there are dos and don’ts. He must attack first. When he attacks you first, he becomes the attacker and you are the defender.  He becomes the offender by default. After that do whatever it takes within the law to fight back. Never run away. Make sure that there are eye witnesses and enough evidence to nail him later. Frame him if you can. If he has raised a hand on you he deserves no sympathy from you and show none. In modern societies, better sense prevails immediately and the offender will be punished by the local law. But if his non sense is tolerated once he shall be encouraged to repeat his act. So you better be brave, adventurous and principled not because these virtues will help you fight with a stupid offender but because these virtues will make your life a fuller and a better one.

The discrimination should end if you follow all these steps confidently. However there are discriminating people for whom discrimination is one point agenda in life. These are sadist negative people. They not only resist change but are bent on living in pre-historic times. In that situation, simply leave.

Yes, leave that unhealthy environment because with the newly acquired knowledge and analysis you will enjoy a new and better environment of your choice. A better environment will offer better opportunities.

This is not quitting, it is moving on for better opportunities and leaving a sordid past behind. It is a brave act that requires courage. The world is big enough and it warmly welcomes the able and the hard working people. With your newly found knowledge of discrimination, in a better environment you will ROCK!!! You are a deserving, thinking person, you are destined for a better life.

Leave the pond and aim for the sea.

Now, the discriminating lot. D-2

I think D-2, the discriminating lot is a bunch of misguided people. They have limited knowledge of life. They are extremely insecure. They are in a position to inflict humiliation and hurt. They are seldom at the receiving end, making their life experience, single dimensional and very limited. A discriminated, pained person understands Humanity and equality better. He values it better. The one who is discriminating has seen only the single angle of life-that of giving pain. If he ever comes at the receiving end he would not inflict pain on others. He will understand how it feels to be humiliated, discriminated and robbed of equal opportunities.

The D-2 group should analyze the above mentioned knowledge carefully and use this knowledge and bring changes in life. Stop discriminating and become a better Human being. Look graceful now. A discriminating person looks very ugly. This change in you will not bring your stature down but it will take you higher. Look at the bigger picture. It is a great opportunity for the D-2 lot. They are gaining this knowledge without actually going through the process of experiencing the pain of discrimination. The knowledge is brought to them, absolutely free in this book.

In modern societies, it is ‘change’ or ‘perish’ for the D-2 lot. Humanity is progressing and evolving with great pace. Discrimination is frowned upon by the international community in a big way. Do not lag behind, it is a known fact that opportunities are thrown open to all, bring healthy competition, and healthy competition kick starts progress, it pushes economic growth.

Best part of this change for D-2 is, it is a silent process, more internal. The change is in changing the attitude. For example, if Y is discriminating or has a biased point of view, it is an internal thing, not many people know about your mind and attitude. Using the knowledge gained here. You could start shifting gears slowly and get yourself in the right lane. I call it a silent process because the transition in you is very effective in making your life richer and fuller but it is slow and internal hence almost goes unnoticed. It is not like you wake up ‘a changed person’. And people welcome the changed you with standing ovation. That way you are going to startle a lot of people. But slow resolved transition is fantastic. It is like, you will slowly start getting reactions like, ‘Isn’t he kinder than before?’ ‘Isn’t he more understanding, than before?’ but it is only you who knows that you are almost a different person now. The internal process is your own progressive journey, your own treasured secret.

When you stop discriminating you enjoy a very unexpected experience. The ‘discriminating you’ were very insecure. The confidence was false and superficial. When you stop discriminating, you do not feel the insecurity at all and that gives you a genuine inner confidence. You feel connected to every soul around you. You genuinely connect with them and they reciprocate in liking you too. There is calmness and kindness in your actions. You mature as a Human being. Your life becomes fuller, richer.

Now, the benefits of discrimination. Are there any benefits for D-1 group after going through the harrowing process of Discrimination and after coming out trumps?

As I have said repeatedly that discrimination gives you a better insight into life, so after you get out of the discriminated mode, your life is richer and fuller. Let me give you a few examples.

Mahatma Gandhi was hugely discriminated for his color and nationality. He turned out to be one the most important leaders in India’s freedom struggle. Martin Luther King was the hero of the movement against discrimination in America. All these men’s resolve got stronger and they became more confident because they faced discrimination. That is why discrimination is not such a bad thing if you are determined to get out of it. It teaches you a lot.

Babasaheb Ambedkar, the father of Indian constitution faced a lot of discrimination as a young man. This made his resolve stronger and he worked all his life to remove discrimination from the society. Nelson Mandela fought against discrimination. He was jailed for many years. That did not deter him from his resolve to continue the fight against discrimination. Infact the resolve got stronger.

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its Animals are treated”   Mahatma Gandhi