This show explored three frames within which imitative behavior contributes to violence: the lynch mob, the Men’s Rights Activists, and the Patriotic Mob.
Using texts from Mark Twain’s The United States of Lyncherdom, from the prepared notes of Judge Carlton Reeves, I discuss how lynching depends upon a group imitating and following the behavior of one or a few individuals. Jung’s ideas of the descent of consciousness in crowds was discussed as a contributing factor that is fueled by strong emotions such as hate and anger.
Regarding the MRA’s, examples of their hateful writings on blogs and reddit illustrated the process by which an online gang mentality becomes self reinforcing. The comments on MRA sites regarding the murder of feminist activist, Grace Mann and the comments by and about Elliot Roger illustrated the mimetic function in building the hate and anger of the group. I explore the psychological aspects of this behavior as a fixation in adolescence, an inability to accept responsibility for their own lives and failings, and the false courage of cowards hiding in a group.
The patriotic mob finds its strength in consuming the lies and propaganda of governments and their agents, projecting personal failings and fears onto government approved targets and people while wallowing in the cesspool of nationalist fervor.
| # | Artist | Song | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DJ-LID at 3:00 DJ-LID at 3:55 |
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