The Perils of Collectivism

“USA! USA! USA! USA!” The crowd being addressed by John McCain at tonight’s convention deliberately drowns out interruptions from a group of protesters known as Code Pink. A photo montage and voice over explains to viewers at home what “country first” means.

These expressions of nationalistic pride may seem harmless, and are, in and of themselves, in fact quite benign. However, it is within the mindset that drives these somewhat meaningless chants and platitudes – and many like them throughout history – that dwells a dangerous tendency. It is the idea that the needs and desires of the group supercede that of the individual – a justification for the abuse, manipulation, and disregard of human life.

The following stories serve to illustrate my point, as sort of microcosms for the violence that can emerge from collectivism, or group-think. They are, by nature, to a lesser degree, and without clearly stated goals, but it is the human capacity and the behaviorial paradigm that I am attempting to highlight.

Critical Mass, an effort to call attention to the bicyclists’ road rights, took place in July of this year in Seattle. The event consists of a massive group of bicyclists riding on main streets, and generally having a good time. Unfortunately, after the event this year, many local cycling advocates are concerned that the event does more harm than good for relations between cyclists and motorists – primarily because of violence that occurred between one driver and a group of Critical Mass riders.

The aggressor is not clear – a cyclist who was hit by the car claims that the driver, angry and impatient that the traffic was blocked, pulled into the group of riders. The driver, on the other hand, claims that when he attempted to safely pull into traffic, the cyclists swarmed the car and began to rock it, saying that they meant to tip it. The driver stated that he revved the engine without realizing it was in gear.

Regardless of the source of fault, what occurred next is relatively clear. According to The Seattle Times,

"[The driver] was mobbed by the cyclists, who shattered his windshield and rear window, dented the sides of his car, slashed his tires and tore off his driver's side mirror. As he stepped out of the Subaru, someone smashed something hard across the back of his head. He later learned it was likely a bike lock. Doctors stapled the wound closed.”

“[The driver] said he thinks at least some of the Critical Mass riders were looking for a fight: ‘They were obviously equipped and intending to get in confrontations with motorists.’”

Occurrences like these are not terribly frequent, but certainly not unheard of. We are all familiar with the term “mob mentality.” The individual, when engaged in a group, feels empowered and compelled to do things that he/she would not do on his/her own. This is not only true exclusively with regard to violence, but it is violence that requires the most profound suspension of ethical qualms. Thus, the degree to which an individual can be transformed in this context is exemplified most abjectly in violent or destructive deeds.

We are also familiar with the concept of the provocation of violence. We have been raised to look for one source of culpability. One must only look as far as a kindergarten classroom to hear the words “he/she started it!” Most human beings are reasonable enough to at least superficially seek justification for acts of violence – the juiced-up and obnoxious guy at the bar with the flirtatious girlfriend, the rioters in the wake of a tragedy, and, as seen at St. Paul’s recent GOP convention, opportunistic protesters.

“ST. PAUL, Minn. - Protesters attacked delegates, smashed windows, punctured car tires and threw bottles Monday, a violent counterpoint to an otherwise peaceful anti-war march at the Republican National Convention. Police wielding pepper spray arrested at least 56 people…

…Members of the Connecticut delegation said they were attacked by protesters when they got off their bus near the Xcel Center, KMSP-TV reported. Delegate Rob Simmons told the station that a group of protesters came toward his delegation and tried to rip the credentials off their necks and sprayed them with a toxic substance that burned their eyes and stained their clothes.”

Amy Forliti, Sept. 1

Associated Press

I am not one to defend (riot) police, as they are often at least as if not more guilty of the same type of crime. Perhaps not with regard to property destruction, but certainly in seizing on an opportunity to use violence and force in what might have been peaceful assembly, sometimes not even bothering in provocation. However, it would to me seem foolish to assume that these ‘protesters’ did not arrive with the intention to behave this way.

For some reason, however, it tends to go unnoticed that this phenomenon can be accurately extrapolated to include much larger populations, and much loftier goals. In the case of nationalism, it often manifests itself in asserting the “higher ground,” that there is a greater cause, that the ends justify the means. Though the variables may differ, the behavior is the same, as is too often the outcome for those who intervene or are targeted, in much more atrocious terms, of course.

Obviously, there is nothing inherently wrong with associating with like-minded individuals, or grouping together to accomplish something beyond the capacity of an individual. Indeed, many things in life necessitate this. It is when the group comes together to accomplish something that violates your personal morals that you must ask yourself, “would I be doing this if I were on my own, and would I like others to do the same to me?” Perhaps more importantly, “is being a member of this group, or society, or nation, something that I should take pride in?” After all, many of the greatest crimes against humanity have been perpetrated to the sound of thunderous ovation.