Are You Afraid of Irrational Crowds?

Are You Afraid of Irrational Crowds?

Koudlam See You All (2009)

Mass behavior has long fascinated thinkers, both for its potential to unite people and to erase individuality through the imposition of collective emotion. For example, philosopher Theodor W. Adorno highlighted how mass movements, whether through fascist propaganda or consumer culture, can foster uncritical conformity. 

One mass phenomena of modernity is hooliganism, where (mostly male) groups of football fans carry out egregious acts of violence. One could say the phenomenon exemplifies the mass dynamic: a tribal mass psychology where individuals merge into violent, irrational groups.

The French musician Koudlam released his song “See You All” in 2009. The song’s music video features an excerpt of Desniansky Raion, a work by the much-celebrated visual artist Cyprien Gaillard. It depicts two color-coded groups of men, possibly football hooligans, clashing violently in a bleak housing complex, with smoke swirling amidst the chaos. The hypnotic, electronic soundtrack with a hint of Philip Glass repetitions turns the scene into an aesthetic experience. 

“See You All” and its prophetic title hits a contemporary nerve: the question of how we navigate collective and individual emotions seems more relevant than ever.

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