My student used this sentence in an essay "In any social group, there are always competitions for the “alpha” position (center of the social group)." He was talking specifically about an experience in a middle school. I objected that he used the words "any" and "always." I asked him to leave a little room for exceptions (In almost every social group, for example.) I belong to social groups where there seems to be a collaborative sensibility. Am I hallucinating? He sent me two emails arguing with me. I'd be very interested in your opinions esp. any anthropologists out there - hint hint theadvancedapes -