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.