Notes on the Dominator Model

Welcome to my blog. You will find here writing about many subjects, and at times this blog will seem like a collection of un-related thoughts. There is, however, a common thread: All of my writing here tries to chip away at what I call the dominator model.

The dominator model, a.k.a. the patriarchy,  is an old, tired idea that has been universally accepted and has guided most of the world’s major religions, governments, enterprises, and forms of human organization.

The dominator model is organization by hierarchy, by power, by domination and submission, by haves over have-nots. The dominator model would have us believe that it feels good to dominate others; that in fact it is only natural to want to dominate others. It wants us to think that competition is more satisfying than cooperation, and that might makes right.

I believe that the world is tired of the dominator model, and is in the process of waking up and recognizing that the dominator model has led us into a blind alley.

But the dominator model won’t go quietly and it won’t go quickly. It goes kicking and screaming, hangs on as long as it can, and tries to raise as much hell as possible on the way out. And as much as we want to be rid of it, and re-create better forms of human relationship and organization, we don't know what to put in its place. That's why it pops up in places where you'd least expect to find it, such as the open source community.

I'm hoping we can talk about it here, and get some clarity. Maybe have some fun, too.