Social Power
Through power, society is divided into social tiers. Forms of this social hierarchy have evolved through human nature’s desire for authority when given the opportunity. Psychologist Philip Zimbardo comments on this power opportunity by explaining that “it’s not that we put bad apples in a good barrel. We put good apples in a bad barrel. The barrel corrupts anything it touches” (Mastroianni 240). Given the opportunity or situation, power alters an individual’s actions and behaviors, therefore shaping the dynamics of society.
Additionally, the social hierarchy of power can be explored through race. Race is often one of the first noticed trait that separates levels of power. This is becoming increasingly prevalent as media covers more black men shot and killed by white policemen. Society views young black men, especially when hooded, as a potential threat over the majority of races. White supremacy appears through race not only in the physical world but in virtual worlds, such as Second Life. In Second Life, the appearance of skin color renders a quick response from other users, usually racist remarks and even unfriending. This prejudice emerge almost automatically by many people in society, forming an unavoidable social order. Due to inequality between races and power’s influence of human nature, society has developed a multi-layer system of power where white resides above black and those who have the opportunity to seize power often will do so relentlessly.