"Somebodies and Nobodies" - A Book Summary & Review

Image: New Society Publishers

Racism, sexism, class privilege, and the myriad social issues surrounding them are perennial points of debate in politics and the media. In Somebodies and Nobodies, author Robert W Fuller presents his thesis that another class of destructive discrimination based on social rank is an unacknowledged and pervasive issue in society, and names this form of discrimination “rankism.”

The book is not a condemnation of rank, since the author argues that rank can be legitimately earned. Rank exists throughout society, whether in the military, bureaucracies, educational institutions, a physician/patient relationship, or innumerable other instances. These ranks are often acknowledged by specific titles and inform everyone involved of the chain of command. However, this counts both as a positive assignment of responsibility and as a negative power for abuse.

The book has a well-ordered presentation, beginning with personal observations of the change in treatment people receive from others depending on the perception of authority. He then expands this observation to consider how the perception of rank influences the other “-isms” as reflections of rank in society. While acknowledging that merit can have a role in some perceptions of rank and authority, he also notes the tendency toward presuming that legitimate rank today means continued rank tomorrow, and similar rank in any area. Those who hold rank, who are “Somebodies” in their circle, often use their position to disadvantage outsiders who are “Nobodies.” This inverts the presumption of rank based on merit.

Much of the book consists of anecdotal examples where rank is used to abuse the “Nobodies” who the “Somebody” deems unworthy of respect. This can range from loud and vulgar language to out-of-hand dismissal. It also includes problems of workplace sexual harassment, especially demands for sexual favors or other considerations in exchange for workplace benefits.

The consequences of rank abuse are also covered in detail. It can destroy interpersonal relationships, retard business productivity, damage education, cripple sound leadership, and discourage risk-taking where the positives otherwise outweigh the negatives just because of the extra threat added to failure. The hunger for recognition is described as one of the driving forces in human existence, and the author connects it fundamentally to self-identity. This issue of identity is connected to literary and historical examples.

After describing the problem, the author then proceeds to examine why people tolerate it by considering the “somebody mystique.” This is described as a frequent component of even small groups and subcultures, and acceptance of the “Somebody” is a requirement for the group to accept the “Nobody” as a member. In order to address the rank abuse, the mystique of the somebody must be demolished. The author notes that as each generation grows, it seeks to demolish this mystique but replaces it with a new one, continuing the cycle against which they rebelled. Further examples of pervasive rank abuse in then-recent events are used to illustrate the imperfections of democracy despite its assumed support for the Nobody.

The key to understanding the damage of rankism is described as “the pursuit of dignity,” which is both connected to and opposed by democracy, revolution, and broad cultural shifts. “Indignity is an abuse of power – or, put the other way round, the abuse of power is incompatible with the principle of inviolate human dignity.” Rank abuse is a matter of individual actions and not a pervasive ephemeral entity of society. It can be immediately addressed by a combination of etiquette and humor, treating others with respect and not fearing to poke fun at those who abuse power. These can be dangerous tools too though, due to the way some rules of etiquette are used to reinforce rank, and the way humor is used to abuse those of lower rank.

On the whole, this book is a thorough and systematic analysis of a problem that most people don't even know exists in the first place. As such, it can help anyone of any “rank” in society recognize and address issues that are otherwise difficult to describe but still are very real problems in everyday life. In a workplace environment, it can establish a framework for recognizing the value of all employees while setting guidelines for the leadership. In political discussions, it can help better examine issues beyond the popular template of gender, wealth, and skin color.

While not going into as much depth about what differentiates legitimate rank from illegitimate rank as I would like, this book does provide a very useful tool for analysis beyond the typical categories popularized by major political movements. There is also a sort of tunnel vision, where all abuse is connected to rank and other causes are generally disregarded. It could be argued that racism and sexism are rooted in a presumption of superior rank, but I find this a flimsy argument that needs to be fleshed out more than it is. Nonetheless, regardless of you political views, this book can offer a valuable perspective and I recommend it for anyone.

Author's note: This was adapted from a college technical writing assignment originally written in 2015.