The Theory of Differences

Oligopoly is a term widely used when economist lock horns with each other over categorization of a market. Instead of getting embroiled in the semantics of this word lets deal with it in the context of social anthropology. Oligopoly is a condition wherein each component tries to portray itself differently vis-à-vis its peer although they belong to the same category of activity. This concept does not only apply to markets alone but significantly to humans as well.

Let’s analyse a classroom situation; there maybe an average of 10-12 good students in a class of say 60. If one goes by the law of entrainment or the law of synchronicity it will be not weird to suggest that they will form an informal group within the class. But, it hardly is the norm of the day. Here science which tries too hard to gauge the human mind fails miserably. Well someone once said that science is a good benchmark for judging a religion but it cannot become a religion on its own (are the atheist listening). What makes this group of students act in such illogical manner which is not expected? There is something at play here, a force, and an inner desire to stand out of the crowd, to be Different.

Every individual in this materialistic era is yearning to be a millionaire yet they want to be different. Some will differ in their lifestyle while some will differ in their approach towards life. Everyone seems to be chasing the magical five letter word called MONEY. They differ in means which in many cases reduces their guilt. Every mortal is marching with the crowds to the destiny called success. The chances of which the theory of probability says is very little. Yet every other person we meet always cribs about the glitches and hurdles he faces. It is beautifully summarised by this two verses of a great poet of our time Prof.Waseem Barielvi he says; ‘ Har Shaks bhaagta hai yahan bheed ki taraf , who yeh bhi chahta hai use raasta mile ‘. Which literally means everyone is running towards the crowd and at the same time also wants a separate path to tread.