What difference does make? [And no, that is not grammatically incorrect.]
01/04/2005 . Source: Geoff Willmetts 

Of all the species on this planet, humans could probably be considered the most diverse within a single species without actually saying there are sub-species. A zebra is still a striped horse. All giraffes have similar patterns - even if it takes an expert to tell individuals apart. There's two main sub-species of elephants and rhinos but they follow the same identical pattern on each side of the divide. Then, amongst all these and more examples, we have humans.

Hello everyone

Of all the species on this planet, humans could probably be considered the most diverse within a single species without actually saying there are sub-species. A zebra is still a striped horse. All giraffes have similar patterns - even if it takes an expert to tell individuals apart. There's two main sub-species of elephants and rhinos but they follow the same identical pattern on each side of the divide. Then, amongst all these and more examples, we have humans. Apart from melanin variations, originally evolved to protect against environmental differences around the world, we are really just a single species divided by minor physical differences.

The only way to tell them apart is by the minor differences they make for themselves. Yet it is these differences alone that tend to sway who we mix with, arrange our social order and looking at anyone suspiciously who doesn't 'belong' to our group. The odd thing about it, though, is we don't divide into groups solely by hair colour. I mean, it's probably the first thing we see or not see, for those who scalp shave, when we see someone but has no bearing on who we select for social groups. Yet things like wearing particular garments or hair-styles are seen to be acceptable within peer groups. Seeing people bunched together tends to be paramount to observing a clone culture. Even back in the late 70s, when the punk culture was rife for individualism, they all came out wearing the same kind of uniform. I'm not going to dwell too much on skin colour by the way. This piece is not about 'racial' differences, but it might well be a different demonstration of the same effect or mechanism of why we appear to break into and out of different 'peer groups'.

We're not alone in doing this. It also happens with other members of the animal kingdom as well. At least for those who don't prefer solitary lives. It could be argued that belonging to a particular grouping is all to do with safety in numbers. Likewise, it could also be seen as a means to stay with people who talk the same language or interest as yourself than be in a mix that tends to suit no one. I doubt if you'd want to stay in a room long with people who don't have any interest in SF, fantasy or horror as yourself, for instance, especially if they disliked the subject.

Whether you would want to say in the same room when they are dressed up as icon heroes and heroines is debatable and subject to circumstances. Interesting thought, either way as the reverse is true as well. Considering how spread over the population our genre interest is, meeting people of similar interest tends to start of as a revelation before specialising in those who match our individual interest. The fact that we can blend with different social groups where we have similar recognised interests also probably illustrates why we have more going for us than just avoiding predators and a mechanism not to stand out. The only odd thing is that humans are top of the food chain, don't have much need of this mechanism and don't have predators...well, not from this planet!

There's also a case for us only seeing the surface of everyone until we're forced to see deeper and that our initial impressions aren't always that accurate. We seem to depend a lot on what we instinctively like or dislike by gut reaction without really knowing quite why or looking close up. That seems to come later.

The divergence in the human species and our ability to recognise various types can soon put a finger on appearance, intelligence or obsessives and then we adjust that to our peer group mixing and how much distance we use in associating with them. It probably also demonstrates how in a survival situation we choose those who are better equipped to lead than not amongst other things. Of course, that can always change if what we believe doesn't measure up to what actually happens.

Don't know about you but I think that's definitely a demonstration of not only human nature but of the animal kingdom as a whole. Something that isn't always exploited in writing stories, even within our own genre, observing humans should or is a habit of any writer. Well, only in as far as people only initially see skin deep but even that is just an element of this effect. I should also point out that although everyone is orientated on this, the effect is mostly a reservation rather than a fixation in many cases. It's an element of reserve until the person sitting next to you is no longer seen as a threat and maybe a potential friend. We still shake hands with our sword-hands, share drinks to show we're not out to poison people, etc.

Out in the wilds and with primitive man, such a reservation would be appropriate if you wanted to keep your territory or tribe together. Seeing the alpha male lion scare off or attack other male lions coming into his territory is a demonstration of this effect. Likewise, with a new alpha male lion taking charge of the pride and killing its predecessor's newly born off-spring or chasing them off simply because they aren't his. I raise this as a pertinent example. With the canines and primates, there is a greater likelihood for fostering to preserve the genetic range than to remove it from the genetic pool.

We actually are attuned to diversify. Lions don't see themselves needing to extend their gene pool because they haven't needed to because they are at the top of their food chain. We actually desire a widening of our genes in later generations rather than to diminish it. As breeding is the only means to further the gene pool, discrimination tends to be a depiction that should have been lost in evolution but hasn't, unless its to rule out potential mates or rivals.

What is odd in all of this is that difference tends to keep us apart and all together. A rather weird paradox. We might criticise our own nation's rulers and people but take a dim view of foreigners doing the same thing to them. Tribal reflex rules.

What makes us different from each other is the differences we see between ourselves. Its only when it goes up to being a group versus group that it becomes tribal and a threat that serious trouble comes along. What makes racism stand out is that it is such an extreme demonstration of this innate grouping. The fact that we are not all swayed by it also suggests that it isn't innately genetic but something we can all make a controlled choice about. In a world of extremes as we have today, live and let live is the only way to leave differences at the doorstep.

What difference does make?

Only what you make of it. One thing for sure. It's better used as a means for social grouping than to rely on it as solely an obsolete genetic commands that can be over-run by conscious thought. We don't have to be governed by it. Maybe that would help to make for a more peaceful world but then again, things are never ideal even when you know what makes them tick.

Be happy. Enjoy the rest of the website.
Thank you and good night

Geoff Willmetts
editor: SFCrowsnest.co.uk

Who Seeks Who: With all the news floating around about the new 'Doctor Who' BBC TV series out just about now and me watching a Hartnell story - see reviews - this month, an odd thought occurred to me. The Doctor has a grand-daughter, Susan. So just what did happen to her father/mother or his son/daughter? If they're going to make it a family show, perhaps we should be told?

Profound thinking: It's said that a watched kettle never boils. I think a lot of that depends on the watcher's patience and lack of distraction rather than saying the kettle will never come to the boil when watched. In comparison, how many of you watched a microwave oven boil water and see it happen? Mind you, after the first few times, most people are there at the point of boiling rather than the time leading up to it. Now that's probably a demonstration that you've got the timing in your head sorted out and letting Parkinson's Law work for you to do something in the fewer minutes it takes for the water to boil. It also shows how humans are adapting to the different timings of things in life.

(Less Serious) Thought For The Month: With the new Doctor Who series out end of March on the BBC, expect a merchandise boom. What puzzles me, though, is when they do the sonic screwdriver will some bright spark decide to stick that hedgehog onto a screwdriver?

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