Blame the Game, Not the Players: Understanding Systemic Influence and Fairness in Competition

When you invest in the stock market and lose your money, don’t hate the other guy who sold you the stocks. Rather, blame the rules of the game, which is the stock market itself. This article explores various scenarios where understanding the systemic influence is crucial to maintaining fairness in competition without shifting blame to the wrong parties.

The Game of Life

The concept of 'the game' reflects that there are underlying rules and structures that can lead to outcomes irrespective of individual actions or alliances. In the context of investing, skilled brokers and accessible information are part of the broader 'game' that influences the outcome of your investment. Similarly, actors in other fields of competition, such as sports, business, and even social situations, must navigate the same rules and structures.

In the game of life, everyone is a player, and each player has their role to play. However, instead of blaming the other players, we should focus on the overarching structure that dictates the game's outcome. Just as a player must master their craft to survive within the game, individuals must navigate the rules that govern their field of competition.

Mastering the Game

Successful players in any game have spent years honing their skills to ensure they can survive and thrive under the rules of the game. These rules can include a range of factors such as market dynamics (in the case of investing), physical prowess (in sports), or educational and professional qualifications (in career fields).

Just as a basketball team with players under 6ft would not win against a team of taller players under fair conditions, a player in any field must accept and adapt to the rules. It is not the player's fault if they cannot compete on an equal footing with those who have advantages due to the game's setup.

The Role of Systemic Factors

Blaming players for the systemic factors that influence the game ignores the root causes. For example, in a situation where two people are starving and a rich person offers bread to the one who knocks down the other, it is not the fault of the player who wins the bread but the structure that forced them into a zero-sum competition.

In another scenario, a worker with 20 years of experience may lose a job to a new employee with a weekend certification. Instead of blaming the person with the certificate, we should question the system that values credentials over experience and the legislation that mandates such certification standards.

Gender Imbalances and Promotion Opportunities

When a woman loses out to a man for a promotion, the focus should not be on blaming the man, but instead on examining the systemic bias that may be present. While it is true that the man may have had no ill intentions, the lack of fairness in the promotion process changes the game's rules, making it inherently unequal.

This type of systemic issue can be seen in various forms, from the workplace to sports. Just as a shorter basketball team would not win against a taller one due to the physical makeup of the game, certain systemic biases can create a significant competitive disadvantage.

Conclusion and Call to Action

To navigate the challenges of competition, it is important to understand and critique the underlying structure and rules of the game. By shifting our focus from blaming individuals to questioning the systemic influences that shape outcomes, we can work towards creating a more fair and equitable environment for all players.

Stay safe and take care, and always be mindful of the game's rules when you find yourself in any competitive scenario.