hierarchy

In many societies, there is a very definite hierarchy that is to be followed. The caste system in India would be one example. Monarchy would be another. In America, there is a different hierarchy for nearly every social situation. Take a celebrity out of Hollywood and put him or her in a federal prison and you would see said celebrity having to adapt to an entirely new hierarchy. Our hierarchies seemed to be based on ever-changing qualities- aesthetics and social capital. Yet we like to think that we are more libertarian & less oppressive than most societies. But maintaining the illusion of there being no hierarchy while constantly having to adapt to ever-changing social norms is just unnecessary burden. Our politicians, if they are ambitious, feel pressured to be hip & cool, even though this has nothing to do with politics. We deny the authority that our government has over us as long as they convince us that they did in fact inhale & as long as they wear designer outfits. Our way of life would be less stressful if we had a clear idea of who our superiors are & knew how low we should bow.