Being a cave-dweller was not easy. Our primal ancestors had to fight for survival each and every day. Even at night there was a very real chance they could be eaten by something bigger than they were, so groups who were able to rely on each other for protection were more successful. These groups most likely had a dominant leader who barked out orders and others followed them. As a result, a “top-down” hierarchy become an effective way for humans to survive. Surprisingly, this simple dominant style of leadership is still a part of our culture in many areas - but since not following a leader’s orders no longer results in death by saber-toothed tiger, there are those modern-day humans who prefer a more evolved style of leadership. I am one of them. I have never felt completely comfortable in my social surroundings. Sure I had friends growing up, but only because they were socially obligated to hang out with me; we carpooled or o...
Explaining fandom from an evolutionary point of view.