Beyond the merely enjoyableThe beautiful and real Topdog/Underdog
by Jessica Wei
In psychology, Topdog vs. Underdog generally refers to a mind game that people play with themselves as a way of dealing with anxiety. Topdog describes the responsible side of the individual, the voice that drops words like, “should” and “ought” to keep the subject aligned with the norms of society. The Underdog is the self-protective devil on the left shoulder, making excuses and sabotaging the demands of its opponent.
