I am constantly searching for simple, discreet terms and phrases, which I can use to communicate my ideas to people. So, I'd like to try out a new term in this group, and see what people think. I've used this term in private conversations, to argue my position, and met with some success. I suggest that most modern cultures strongly believe in the concept that each individual should be beholden to another specific individual.
Hierarchy is cruel.
Chattel slavery is the most obvious and repugnant form of hierarchy. But, precisely because it is so obvious and repugnant, it is not so insidious as other forms of hierarchy. The society of hierarchy eats it up. People who believe in hierarchy tell themselves that it is their duty to make children, elderly, employees, pets, underlings, tutors, etc. Unfortunately, that right has always been the least well protected in the United States, and the least well understood.