individual anonymity within "the crowd"

[lemur]

Thinking independently and choosing potentially unpopular political stances is difficult. Many people may fear criticism, disapproval, or other unpopularity. Thus, when a large crowd mobilizes, could this be pleasurable for people who generally repress their individuality to "fit in" socially? Could this also have something to do with the desire of crowd-conformists to attack individuals who stand out and stand up against the will of "the masses?" Do collective movements really just boil down to the exercise of individual power in concert with others to suppress dissent from what is deemed popular opinion?

[Mr Skeptic]

Could this also have something to do with the desire of crowd-conformists to attack individuals who stand out and stand up against the will of "the masses?" Do collective movements really just boil down to the exercise of individual power in concert with others to suppress dissent from what is deemed popular opinion?

 

No. Anyone following the majority will be sitting at home watching TV like everyone else, not protesting. And why would the majority need to protest? They usually already have what they want. When the majority is protesting they usually get rid of their old government and get a new one. Is that the sort of protest you are talking about?

[lemur]

No. Anyone following the majority will be sitting at home watching TV like everyone else, not protesting. And why would the majority need to protest? They usually already have what they want. When the majority is protesting they usually get rid of their old government and get a new one. Is that the sort of protest you are talking about?

I was under the impression that these revolts were due to widespread economic repression, not just of some. Regardless, in general my hypothesis about crowd-conformity holds, I think. How many people in a crowd-protest dare to express an opinion that conflicts with others in the crowd? How many people go to a strike to discuss their criticisms of labor solidarity? Usually people go to experience the social approval that comes with solidarity and camaraderie. You try to impress people by having the most vehement critique of the common enemy or the most dramatic sign or other act of expression. It's like going to a sporting event for a political cause.