Is There Even a Straw?

The origin of the expression, “the straw that breaks the camel’s back” can be traced back to an old Arab proverb in which a camel is loaded up with so many things that it cannot move. It’s an accumulation of things, usually small, that eventually make something inoperable or a position untenable. 

A common economic term is “barrier to entry” when tangible things like fixed costs, economy of scale, public policy, and regulation etc. make it harder for competitors to enter the market. Large companies want to limit upstarts and want hurdles to prevent those who might encroach on their business; they like barriers. 

It’s different for people. Generally, people will be more loyal to a club, organization, even a person, if acceptance is difficult. The higher the bar, once committed,  the more loyalty. And that brings us back to the camel. If one has to compromise values, beliefs, morals in order to stick with the leader or the organization, we’re committed and not going anywhere. In a cult, there isn’t any one straw that breaks a cult or a cult member’s “back.” 

If we explain away racist policy or comments, but stay “true” to the leader or organization, that may be a “straw,” but it might also be another example of the need to be loyal. If we overlook misogynistic behavior and say something like, “boys will be boys” it could be another straw, but after ignoring the racism, it’s another reason to be loyal. If blatant cruelty and bullying isn’t disqualifying, it’s not a straw at all, it’s just more reasons to be loyal.

In the end, we have to be true to our heart and our values. It helps to see different perspectives, but we have to know from the beginning if there even is a straw.