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Mar 22, 2004 I was at school the other day. Walking down the halls, minding my own business, I heard a gradually approaching mob of people all hysterically yelling, “OOOOOOO…” As it grew closer, I realized the pack consisted of two groups of people each centered around their own key figure. I began to hear snippets of conversation. “Now that guy’s small, so you gotta watch out…” “Keep movin’, ‘k?” “He’s a big slow one, y’hear?” “One blow is all it takes, man, one….” And then I realized what it was: a pre-fight coaching. Joining the pack of people, I was led outside into the sidewalks of my school. As the male members of the family automatically assemble around the turkey at Thanksgiving, the pack of people gracefully filed around the two, creating a ring-a ring of no return. That was it. They were going to fight. As the two began to circle each other, the pack egged them on, yelling at the top of their lungs and jeering at them. “Come on, you motherf----r, get him when he ain’t lookin’!” “Duck and weave, man, duck and weave.” I immediately sensed something was wrong. The two kept circling each other, but neither wanted to hurl the first punch. I could tell-and thank god-neither of them wanted to fight. But could they walk away now? Could they just leave? Could they abandon their once heated-cause? No. Not with a million people watching. Not with their pride on the line in front of their peers. Thankfully, our faithful security guard forced himself into the struggle and broke things up, as the two key figures quickly masked their looks of relief with scowls of fury that they had been robbed of a chance to prove themselves. You know who’s sick? You. Me. Everyone. We’re a pack of wild animals. Sure, individually, we can be nice, but when we’re in a crowd, we’re vicious. If the security guard had not stepped in, those two boys would have injured themselves not because they wanted to, but because of the wild and unruly crowd yearning for violence. This isn’t just a recent trend. In ancient Rome, rulers would sponsor shows of violence in which fellow humans would fight to the death. I mean, come on, who didn’t think that Gladiator starring Russell Crowe was cool? Who didn’t enjoy the part in Spartacus where the two slaves fought each other to the death? We’re just like those stuck up rich folk in togas! What is going on here? Charles Lindholm of Boston University says that the group imposes its own will upon its members, and that the crowd acts differently from the individual. But why? Joe Kye offers some theories. By working within a crowd, one is able to escape blame. “He started it,” “She did it,” “I was just a bystander,” are all easy things to say when you’re in a large group. Thus, your wildest dreams, your most evil thoughts, and your most passionate desires are easily attainable when you are just “part of a group.” Second, one feels more power. I don’t know about you, but at 5’7”, it’s hard getting people to do what I want. But when you’re in a crowd…now that’s another story. (“Eye of the Tiger” plays in the background). Finally, there’s one more reason. Have you tried drugs? Ever had that high? Well it doesn’t just happen with drugs. In fact, I’ve heard of and seen many people and getting crowd-high, including me. When you’re walking down Broadway with your friends at night, with the neon lights reflecting in your eyes…you can’t beat that feeling. You feel like you could take on the world! But take the crowd away from the picture, and you hit bottom like the stock market. Here’s an example: A few friends and I were walking from a Mariners’ game. As we were walking, I managed to stupidly bump into a huge white guy holding a beer. Being crowd-high, I slapped on a grin, and sarcastically said, “Excuse me, sir!” Of course, I said this expecting my friends to back me up…oh, how I was wrong. I glanced over at my friends, and noticed one thing: they were gone. I quickly came to my senses, and managed to sweet talk my way out of that one. But it was close. What’s my point? We’re a pack of animals. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not telling you to avoid your posse, because that’s partially what being a human is all about. I’m telling you to keep a cool head in a mob situation, because it’s possible. Oh, and don’t abandon your friends when they’re about to get hammered-it sucks. ------------ About the author: Joe Kye is currently a junior at Garfield High School in Seattle, Washington. An avid writer in his school paper the Garfield Messenger, he wishes to pursue a career in journalism. Email Joe Kye: joe.kye@garfieldmessenger.com Tell a friend about this site! ------------ |
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