Punishing lapses of solidarity. When territory is being defended,
absolute loyalty is demanded, especially within the in-group. Suggestions
of compromise are dealt with severely.
As the slackers slink away, Adam shakes his head. “I don’t know
what the big deal is,” he says. “There’s plenty of room on the steps.”
Jason responds immediately. “Adam, I didn’t realize you
were in love. Oh girls, come on back, we’ve got a gay guy who
wants to kiss you.” Everybody roars with laughter, except Adam.* * *You watch the CEO’s presentation attentively. The rules to
prevent employee pilfering stop just short of strip searches. You
cringe as you imagine how your team will react. Especially
Brittany.
As you look through the folder and do a little mental
arithmetic, you realize that the zero-tolerance program will cost
far more than the $10,000 it saves. You bring this up in a mis-
guided attempt to demonstrate fiscal responsibility.
The CEO scowls. “Money is not the object. The manage-
ment team of this company—or at least most of it—will not be
perceived as soft on crime!”NO HIGHER AUTHORITY. In most struggles for territory, might makes
right. If you’re part of the out-group, there is no one to go to for redress.
The slackers know that the school administrators won’t intervene, or if
they did, it would be in favor of the jocks, who have much higher status.
You won’t risk your job by going to the board, and the chimps can’t argue
their case before the Lion King.
In the jungle, and in the free marketplace, you’re on your own. Your
only friends are tort lawyers. Or maybe guns.
BURNING DESIRE FOR REVENGE. Can you think of an action movie
that doesn’t begin with in-group persecution and end with out-group
vengeance? Whether this is art imitating life or vice versa, the idea of per-
sonal revenge sells. Who can blame people for fantasizing?
232 ❧Explosions into Anger