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steven0461 comments on Why Support the Underdog? - Less Wrong
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In a confrontation between two parties, it's more likely that the stronger one will pose the greater threat to you. By supporting the underdog and hoping for a fluke victory, you're increasing your own survival odds. It seems we're probably evolved to seek parity -- where we then have the best chance of dominating -- instead of seeking dominant leaders and siding with them, which is a far more complex and less certain process.
Am I missing something? Also, it would be interesting to see whether females and males have the same reactions toward the overdog.
The problem with things like "seeking parity" is that your actions play only a small part in determining the outcome of the conflict, whereas your actions play a much larger part in determining consequences to your post-conflict status.
Not if others also side with the underdog, and punish those who side with the overdog - perhaps by viewing them as "craven" or "toadying" and treating them accordingly. People seem to have an odd respect for supervillains, but do we respect the henchmen?