What is the science behind mobs and mob mentality? Have you struggled to understand the violence that is happening across the nation and now the world? In order to make sense of what is happening, does science offer any insight?
Mina Cikara a Harvard professor and Jenkins a researcher at the University of California are the authors of a study on Mob Mentality. In this very brief quote, they share insight worth reading.
“Being part of a group changes how people think and behave. Training with a team, for example, can drive athletes to push their physical limits.
But crowds can also be dangerous, in part because they promote a so-called mob mentality. When acting with others, individuals often feel more anonymous and less responsible for their actions, including acts of aggression. Sometimes they may even commit wrongdoing knowingly to seek the approval of those around them. In our research, we found evidence suggesting that being swept up in the excitement of a crowd can make people lose touch with their personal moral code – and in turn, more likely violate it.”*
As I read their words, I think about people who are not violating a personal code.
What happens if an individual does not have a moral compass? I wonder, what happens when groups have an agenda other than social change. What is going on if their agenda if something more sinister?
As a child growing up in the sixties, I witnessed tv images of peaceful demonstrations by thousands of people from all over the country during Civil Rights movement. Those peaceful demonstrations were interrupted by water hoses, spraying of tear gas, and dogs sent to attack people. The demonstrators were peaceful.
How did that happen? In the basements of African American churches civil rights leaders organized and instructed demonstrators on the way of peaceful nonviolent resistance. The training was intentional. Even... after the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist church a black church... and killing four girls and injuring others... the movement largely remained nonviolent.
How did that happen? In the basements of African American churches civil rights leaders organized and instructed demonstrators on the way of peaceful nonviolent resistance. The training was intentional. Even... after the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist church a black church... and killing four girls and injuring others... the movement largely remained nonviolent.
Today’s violent demonstrations after the death of George Lloyd have overshadowed the peaceful demonstrations. It is my hope and prayer that the God will give wisdom, direct leaders, calm storms, bring peace, comfort to those who mourn, and that the hearts of people will be turned to God.
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