Vegas and the Human Wolf Pack

by Shaun Hautly

Last month I spent a week in Vegas. I had a good time because I won money. I had a really good time people watching though. I realized a lot about our population from looking around. In many ways, Vegas shows the full potential of our population. Technology at its best: Giant screens, lights, security, dancing fountains, and volcanoes. Architecture at its finest: elaborate lobbies, buildings, miniature Eiffel Towers, Brooklyn Bridges, Pyramids, castles, canals, and pirates. It also has a very functional micro economy: Food, entertainment, and gambling all funnel money to the same places and redistribute it randomly. Everyone has a chance to be on top, everyone has a chance to be screwed. It's well thought out, and it's impressive.

On the flip side, it also shows the vices and true weaknesses of the human race. Gambling addicts become homeless and flood the streets, and prostitutes approach you in casinos. There are fights, accidents, and people drinking to excess. The casinos swiftly snuff problems to hide the bad reputation and keep their consumers in a happy bliss. There are underpaid immigrants who hand you cards of naked women you can sleep with by dialing a number. It is reminiscent of Ancient Rome where even though it was so advanced for its time, it was barbaric enough to collapse.

However, collapsing and history aside, there was one aspect of Vegas which isn't unique to the town, but just more noticeable, and it amazed me to watch. The Alpha Male. While we think we've evolved with philanthropy, opening doors, altruism, and charity, we're no different than the animals. When a cute girl walks in, the guys all turn their bodies to address her. When an attractive woman joins the table for gambling, guys turn to her and edge each other out of the way. It's isn't a conscious move or something they do to be rude to each other, it's just how they establish themselves to her. Married, single, or otherwise? Doesn't matter. It's not even about getting together with her, but her knowing that they are the strongest, smartest guy around. Just like the animals do.

It was incredible to see all of this, and I still can't wrap my head around everything. I'm sure I will have more thoughts as I continue to observe, but for now, my head is overwhelmed and I can't wait to go back. Vegas, baby.