Seemingly random collective behaviour.
If there is one thing that is really intriguing, it is collective human behaviour for no apparent benefit. I am talking about things like Mexican Waves and Flash Mobs. They are fascinating!
Why is there a desire to create large collective behaviour for amusement? The only way to do these kinds of acts, the whole group must be aware and see each other. With Mexican Waves, the whole stadium can see each other. How Mexican Waves originally started are also mind-boggling… We all now know the nature of a Mexican Wave, so we know what to do.
With the rise of the internet, flash mobs began. The “group” is still aware of each other via organising the act before hand. In previous times this would just be too costly. Famous flash mobs include freezing, and “gun” stand offs. Once again, I ask why there exists such a desire? I want to be part of a flash mob, because it creates confusion and bewilderment in bystanders. Is that it? Escaping reality for a moment? Collective entertainment? Mexican Waves only occur during a lull in the match. When people are too excited about events in the match, they won’t bother with a mexican wave…
This collective behaviour is powerful. But somehow asking loads of people to do something “charitable”, won’t work. There must be a way to channel collective behaviour like this into something useful!
Instead of just giving blankets and food to the poor in an ordinary fashion, why not create a heroic/movie-like affair about it? Ask people to wear special uniforms (perhaps even superhero costumes??) and tell the people to walk proudly through the poor neighbourhoods and give them their food/items.
With something like this, I’ll definitely consider going…
For gathering money for AIDS research, how about asking people to come as scientists to a packed shopping mall and do something exciting (retaining the entertainment aspect of flashmobs) and ask people to bring a donation along?
The possibilities are endless!
