It’s funny how modern life teaches us to have negative connotations with concepts that, upon closer inspection, are maybe not so bad…
“Herd mentality.”
What comes to mind? Mediocrity, mindlessness, lack of identity? Probably. Because that’s what mass media has swayed our busy minds to think.
I think herds are great.
Take a herd of zebra for example. As a moving unit their markings make it impossible for predators to distinguish and target an individual. The herd offers its members security, guidance, friendship, moral support, even sustenance as they move together to find the best pastures to graze. Herds, prides, troops, flocks, pods… they’re are an integral part of nature. Why herd? Because it makes sense! A lone zebra typically does not last very long in the wild.
Herds are a proven system that have existed in nature since creation. Why then are we so obsessed with individuality, privacy, space and distance?
A quick confession: I miss my people. Yes I’ll go as far as to admit that I crave the herd! I’m pretty sure if you take a moment of introspection, you will find you crave it too. Closeness, support, community, friendship, confidence.
The truth is that herds exist and even though you may not realise it, you still belong to one. The problem is that we have become socially and geographically so removed from each other that maintaining the herd is a major challenge. How do we do it? Facebook, email, sms, phone calls, skype, blogging and sometimes actually getting in the car and covering large distances for a few moments of personal contact.
Let’s be honest, we spend an immeasurable amount of time and money trying desperately to be part of the herd that we have been brainwashed to reject in the first place. And guess what else – we are using the very products whose media campaigns are crusading privacy and idolising individuality.
Our poor minds are overloaded and exhausted from the effort of trying – and ultimately failing – to really connect with our people.
To get back to the zebras, maybe the only reason they herd is because they don’t have a choice. If we could give a zebra a computer, a car, the internet and a cellphone contract, he may very well choose to hit the road and get on with his life a little more privately. He would probably be the most individual zebra known to man! Unfortunately our friend will be too busy updating his Facebook profile and posting a few Tweets from his iPhone (to keep in touch with the herd) that he would never even see the lion emerging from the grass right behind him.
very nice! I like the whole philosophical vibe. interesting read.
i like the why you write!
very cool, i can just imagine the zebra sitting with his legs crossed, in front of his computer, with some barley green in his one hoof and his iPhone in the other…
sorry, its supposed to be “i like the WAY you write”
@Nathan thanks for reading, man!
@tanee Haha, I can just picture it too :) oh and I’m glad you like the way and the why I write!
hahahaha!
exactly what i’ve been thinking lately.
individualism is such an overrated western mentality that has completely infected our world view:
race against all the other rats so no one can move your cheese… or something like that. And in the end? a luxuriously lonely life behind high walls, shatterproof glass, and mechanised locking systems that protect you from the outside threats, and the prying eyes of the neighbours… who might actually be nice people after all…
we’re in Africa, maaaaan! this is a place to be herd… or pride, or pod, or gaggle… UBUNTU!!
We should get badges made: “let’s herd” or “got pride?” or “pod along”!
hehe! ja, that would be pretty cool…
Heya :) Tanee, im getting good vibes from “i like the why you write” makes sence if you look at it sideways :)
so Im, I like the why you write. grin.
i enjoy the point you’re making. major challenge, that - getting around initial impressions of an idea.
ag, and all non-conformist subcultures are just making a nice little nest for their [smaller] group of conformists. as if its not our nature:P how rude. by sticking it to the man, you become the man.
and mister Wilde was good enough to comment: Don’t say you agree with me. When people agree with me I always feel that I must be wrong.
Thanks Fi! Good comment, but I can neither confirm nor deny that I agree with you… :)