The Apocalypse Train: Your Strength

by Emily (follow)

self (24)      society (11)     

Like thousands of others in Melbourne, I commute to work by train. Unlike those thousands, I’m not usually trying to pass the time by trawling Facebook – instead I am consumed by a much more dismal, yet more entertaining idea. If the people in my carriage, right now, were the only survivors of an apocalypse, would we make it?

It’s bleak, yes, but it’s also a fascinating look at stereotypes and group dynamics. Next time you’re on public transport I encourage you to try it. Who, on your bus, tram or train would emerge as the group leader? Who are the talkers, who are the ‘doers’, who would be generous and who selfish? Could you, and the people around you, rebuild a society?

Sometimes I get stuck on one person. Is the hipster in the corner all talk and no real use, or could he be the intelligence that saves us? How do we usefully integrate the high proportion of senior citizens - a microcosm of Australia's ageing population?

You see, the point is that on any given train, tram or bus is a section of society. Not randomised, to be sure, but haphazard at best, a group of people roughly representative of your suburb or city - and therefore of your roles and your politics. It's one of the great disappointments of life that if you get stuck on a desert island (or in our case the post-apocalypse train) you probably won't be with Colin Firth, Gerard Butler and a bottle of pinot noir. Life is unfair like that. So you have to make the best of what you've got.

The most important question, of course, is about you. What role would you take?

By examining this question I have learnt a lot about myself and the way I relate to groups. I am a natural leader but dislike the limelight, preferring to let someone else be the public ‘face’ of the group while I take more of a backstage, advisory role. I know I have a quick temper, but I am also forward-thinking and creative. Sign me up to design and build the shelters, but don’t ask me to search for food!

I’d love to know what others think – what role would you take on the apocalypse train?

#self
#society

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