Once again, Bitcoin’s back on top. The price rebounds, the dominance graphs go up, and the “crypto bros” are once again flexing their muscles. While Bitcoin maximalists celebrate, let's not forget the human cost often swept under the rug in this volatile game. We’re sold on the idea that it’s all about the disruptive tech, the d-finance, and beating the man. Just who exactly is “the man” so intent on really sticking it to? At whose expense?

Dominance Doesn’t Equal Universal Benefit

Bitcoin's current dominance (hovering around 64.7% as of today, June 14th, 2025) isn't necessarily a sign of a healthy ecosystem. It can be a symptom of a market holding tightly to what seems safe in the face of doubt. Altcoins, often developed with superior technological ideas and promising use-cases in the real world, are being dragged down. Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin, Cardano, Solana – you name it, they’re down. Behind those percentages are real people, real projects, and real hopes that will pay the price.

Think of it like this: Bitcoin is the established tech giant, like Apple or Microsoft. Examples include Constant, Bitwage and EnableMint. Altcoins are the scrappy startups, the Davids going up against their Goliath. Of course, many of them are still doomed from the start, riding on hype with no substance. The others are the ones who are truly focused on problem-solving, community-building, and addressing the financial needs of an ever-increasingly diverse population.

We read all the stories of crypto millionaires (and billionaires) and crypto losers. What happens to those communities in developing nations who were counting on certain altcoins to bring them financial inclusion? What about the projects aimed at providing access to financial services to the unbanked, now facing funding challenges because their chosen altcoin has tanked?

Forgotten Voices Amplify the Pain

I have one specific project in mind that I heard about recently from Kenya called Mali Salama which is built on Cardano. They adopted blockchain technology to create a tamper-proof land registry. This innovation gave villagers the ability to establish land ownership, thus providing an avenue to establish credit. With Cardano’s recent performance woes, their funding is now at risk, and with it, the entire project. It’s by no means the only project in the same boat. As many have pointed out, it’s a drop in the ocean of needs.

It’s not just a financial issue. It's about opportunity, empowerment, and dignity. When an altcoin collapses, it's not just speculators losing their shirts. It's families losing their livelihoods, entrepreneurs losing their dreams, and communities losing their hope.

This is the unintended consequence of Bitcoin’s dominance. We celebrate the rise of one asset while ignoring the collateral damage inflicted on those least equipped to weather the storm.

Analyst Merlijn The Trader makes an important point: future altcoin seasons should be driven by utility, not speculation. How do you create that utility when the entire market seems focused on Bitcoin and is only interested in playing the price volatility game? How can you bring in that investment when the prevailing story is all “Bitcoin is king”?

Utility vs. Speculation: The Real Battle

The Iran-Israel conflict, the macro fears, the $600 million in liquidations – to them too. They distract from the fundamental question: what is crypto actually for?

Is it simply a new, unstable asset class for the rich to spin their wheels and take risks with. Or can it be a tool for social good, for empowering the marginalized, for building a fairer and more equitable world?

Here's the uncomfortable truth: Bitcoin's rise, fueled by institutional investment and the allure of quick riches, can inadvertently exacerbate existing inequalities. It benefits the privileged who can afford to experiment, have the technical know-how, and have access to the latest innovations.

The future of crypto doesn’t have to be defined by Bitcoin’s hegemony. It needs to be about creating a more inclusive and equitable financial system that works for all Americans. Together, let’s write a new story and amplify the unheard voices. We must work together to fix the unintended consequences and free the true potential of blockchain technology. If we don’t adapt our model, we’ll create a new gilded cage. Yet again, the people hardest hit will be the ones who can least afford it. We need to make sure we’re not just getting double-fakeout, like at the beginning of 2021 altcoin season.

It's time to care about the ALT/BTC ratio and what it represents: A balanced and thriving ecosystem, or a winner-takes-all race to the bottom.

  • Support projects with real-world utility: Look beyond the hype and invest in altcoins that are solving real problems.
  • Donate to organizations working on financial inclusion: There are many charities and NGOs using blockchain technology to empower marginalized communities.
  • Challenge the "crypto bro" culture: Demand more ethical and responsible behavior from the industry.
  • Educate yourself: Understand the risks and rewards of investing in crypto, and don't be afraid to ask questions.

And remember, this isn't financial advice. It is an appeal for compassion in a field that increasingly feels lacking in its presence. As always, do your own fact checking and research, and consult with an experienced professional before making any decisions. Remember that a human rather than a computer underlies every digital asset. We think the story they have to tell is significant and well worth hearing.

It's time to care about the ALT/BTC ratio and what it represents: A balanced and thriving ecosystem, or a winner-takes-all race to the bottom.

And remember, this isn't financial advice. It's a plea for humanity in a space that often feels devoid of it. Do your own research, verify the information, and consult with a professional before making any decisions. But above all, remember that behind every digital asset is a human being, and their story deserves to be heard.