the RAT race

We live in a Rat Race World.

Ultimately if you “win” in the world of the Rat Race it is generally accepted that you have escaped. However, you are probably still a Rat, even if very accomplished. Survival in our world is not always easy. When I consider this concept I must admit that I am fully aware that my world is a world of relative comfort and ease, especially when compared to the many current unfolding tragedies around our planet called Earth. Those who live in more affluent societies are probably the King Rats. Can there be other types of Rats? Yes, of course!

When one complains about poor or tardy service that one receives at a restaurant, and gets extremely worked up about it, such a person could well be a Rat. When we think about the Rat Race, we must remember that the poor Rat is trapped in a maze and can’t see the bigger picture. Hey dear Rat, there is a big world out there! You may be moaning about your piece of cheese being a bit further than you like down that tunnel or that the piece of cheese is not quite your brand but remember the other Mice (rather than Rats) who do not have your privileges. Poor country cousin Mouse has to search really hard for those few grains or seeds all the while being threatened by predators. Being careful is important to survive; it is the real world.

So how does one not be a Rat in a Rat Race? Surely us Rats in the comfier “Western World” can fight against our Rat natures? Surely materialism is not the only end goal while living in the Rat world? Can we Rats rather be Mice? Let’s consider what the rats have to do? Do they walk all over each other to get the Big Cheese first? I believe that in the world of the Rat, the Rat is number one in Rat’s opinion. I would like to think that in the world of the Mouse, the mouse is not top priority in Mouse’s opinion but the nest with little Mice in. The little Mouse sees a beautiful natural world of nature whereas the Rat is trapped in a terribly restricted maze, controlled by the cold, cruel calculations of unseen puppeteers.

The movie series “the Matrix” really makes one think about being in the Rat race, where we are all expendable puppets with limited value. The movies portray a few heroes who can go outside the box. Can we also go outside the box of Rat-hood conventions?

I think Rats have learned to move away from materialism BUT they can still be Rats. Why? Because ONLY their opinions count! No-one else is allowed an opinion outside of the narrow confines of their own definitions. If you believe differently then you must be a Facist or a Fool! If someone does not have liberal values, then you must be either a Communist, or a Russian Supporter, or a Donald Trump supporter. The Rat is entitled to use any acts intimidation or violence to “educate the stupid” among their community. Obviously the same can be seen on the other side of the spectrum.

Can a Rat only be the affluent? Definitely not in my opinion! You get poor Rats who aggressively attack anyone outside of their category. Poor Rats believe that ENTITLEMENT is the only consideration.

SELFISHNESS is the key attribute of the Rat Race.

Let’s try to be Mice rather, thinking about others, every Rat can become a Mouse. Be careful because every Mouse can become a RAT!!