In the grand scheme of things, every organism is a burden to another. It doesn't matter if it's intentional or unintentional, direct or indirect, or towards members of their own species or different species. Every organism exploits others for their own survival, thrival, and reproduction. These actions include consuming other organisms, gaining nourishment from others, living on or inside of them, thermoregulation, gases for respiration, protection, reducing or eliminating competition, expediting locomotion, and passing on their gametes. Taking advantage of abiotic elements of their environment (e.g. water, temperature, sunlight, minerals, gases for respiration, ect.) also burdens other organisms who depend on those resources.
Humans are one of the most high maintenance animal species. In addition to biological requirements, they will utilize other humans and organisms to satisfy their psychological and social needs and desires. These include efficiency, safety, entertainment, self-worth, egotism, identity, social status, social connections, financial resources, materialism, information, experiences, power, and control.
Despite exploitation being inevitable and integral to existence, humans will often conceal the concept of being burdensome. The main purposes are maintaining social cohesion, cooperation, and the egos of others and themselves. When someone is perceived as a liability, social connections with that individual will erode or severe. Oftentimes, cutting ties results in losing particular benefits gained from relationships and interactions.
Portraying humans as burdens serves as form of control, manipulation, domination, and - surprise, surprise - exploitation. The tactics involve shaming, guilt-tripping, silencing, invalidating, ignoring, gaslighting, isolating, berating, ridiculing, and/or threatening the subject. These punishments could influence the individual's perception, behavior, emotions, and actions. Likewise, it impacts how others view, judge, and treat the so-called "burden." This method can also elevate oneself while diminishing their "lowly" opponent or asset.
