LAST ONE IN'S A ROTTEN EGG

AND WHO WOULD WANT TO BE THAT?

The things we do or have done so we wouldn't be called a name. A name that denoted a character flaw, a shortcoming in our design. A kink in our genetic make up.

And there's always one like the aggressive wildebeest that shows his testosterone by leading the way. His competitive nature may have in fact originated the dare. Lemming-like the others all follow.

Risk is a requirement. Physical risk. "Bet you can't" is different than "Last one in." The former could be used without the physicality part. As in "bet you can't name all the state capitals". There's a dare and a risk, but there's no stigma if you can't. If you want stigma, just be the last one chosen in a pick-up game. More than once.

It seems ok, if one is just not as intellectual, but if one is not as athletic, then that's where the harm is done. I haven't even addressed physical qualities or inadequacies because they can't be challenged. Other than "I dare you to get a Mohawk."

It's ok to be the last one in. It's ok not to go in at all. But try telling that to youth. Or old guys, who really don't rule no matter what the tee shirt says.