Post-Modern Mob

In class on Oct. 6th, I was intrigued by the use of “mob” as a political device. Mostly when I think of flash mobs I think of funky European phone commercials or the opening episode of “Oprah” this year. They are so neutered that they are apolitical. But can anything be apolitical? Just having a group of people suggests varied and diverse backgrounds which guarantee some sort of slant or imposition on an original idea.

It got me started on thinking of the mob as a post-modern idea. Can we be apathetic enough to congregate in a historically menacing fashion (a large group) and still be without a political purpose or agenda? If we are truly in a post-modern age than I would assume, yes.

The mob is, in some ways, a commodified experience. There is no singular product but something attained through others’ participation. We take a congregation and market the experience as singular and purchasable. It is through knowledge (a special email or phone number) that allows you entrance. Your fee buys inclusion. You are very specifically NOT the “meta mob” which is cursed to always follow behind.

Our commitment to finding the next exciting object is even re-affirmed by the flash mob idea. The point is to appear quickly somewhere and then to disappear just as absolutely. It is the ultimate in fascination and fixation for a few minutes and then one, resolutely, walks away. Media is also a large aspect. The archiving of an event is as important as the event itself. That idea is a post-modern idea . The participants’ affect is also removed. There is rarely a group celebration. As I mentioned before, the point is to disappear—to not be accountable for the group. No one sticks around to gape at their own accomplishment. No one cares. That’s not the point. I find the flash mob to be a step in the direction of disaffected post-modernism. I am starting to believe a mob could be apolitical.

Nick White