Lost in the Crowd

YARM (Yet Another ReMaster)

I’ve always had the suspicion that I would not mix well with music concerts, but when I got my first sneak-preview of such an experience while working @ HP Pavilion, I was completely taken off-guard by how miserable the experience was outside the arena (read: concert hall) — Forget inside it!

What is it about concerts that I find so revolting? That is a question that I have found the answer to, thanks in part to the insights gained in my Leadership post.

I also gained a clue along the way– see, any question that I have asked I have gotten an answer to, as long as the question is specific enough. Just like in Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”, I can only get the answer I’m looking for if I’m “asking” the right question(s)– only in my case, the answers are instantaneous.

So either:

(a) I’ve got a direct link to every answer to which there is a question (read: I am God)

Or:

(b) My brain is a hell of a fast processor, with infinite knowledge inside that is waiting to be tapped. (read: still God!)

Okay, bragging aside:

First, the clue: Why?(!) do people go to concerts, when the studio music is soooo much better quality? Clearly they aren’t there for “that” reason…so Why?

First I keep in mind that those who go to concerts are ‘clearly’ followers, not leaders.

Next, the stereotypical psychological scenario:

Person “A” suddenly starts screaming and moving their hand to and from their mouth repeatedly, in the classic Native-American (mockery) fashion, running in circles. Why? Because he’s bored. (!)

Persons “B”, “C”, ”D”, and “E” are visibly annoyed, and react to “A”s actions.

“B” was just waiting for someone to act in such a crazy and foolish manner, as he lacked the confidence and resolve to initiate it himself. Thus, “B“ joins in with “A” immediately, seeing the opportunity to act a fool, which he was unable or unwilling to create for himself. ”C” decides to adopt the “If you can’t beat ‘em. join ‘em” philosophy. By joining “A”, “C” goes from a frustrated state to a social “high”, and the three of them enjoy the experience.  Person “D” Sees “A”, ”B”, and “C” having a good time, but decides that their actions are foolish and uncivilized, and decides not to join in. Too stubborn to join the others, but lacking the resolve or motivation to make them stop, he either goes away, complains and harasses them, or sits in a corner and sulks.

Person “E” agrees with the opinion that their actions are foolish and uncivilized, and decides to put a stop to it. There are many different ways of doing this, and he may either weigh his options, or merely resort to to the most obvious solution (knock all the participants out cold, for example).

In this Scenario, both Person A and Person E are leaders; the primary difference between them is that Person A initiates action, while Person E initiates putting a stop to that action– in essence Positive versus Negative forces.

Although there are quite a few “B”-type people in this world (opportunists), the majority of people are “C”-type, and thus very easy to manipulate (their very nature implies that they want to be manipulated!)

Where do I fall on this scale? Sadly, I am not an “A” type, nor and “E” type. I am a “D” type, which can make me very difficult. I lack the resolve to follow through with change, and either complain about things and criticize or harass people, practice escapism (i.e. via anime/music), or sulk in the proverbial corner.

Note: “A” is a chaos-leader, ”B” is between a follower and ”A” (chaos-leader), ”C” is between follower and “D”, and “D” is somewhere between C and “E” (control-leader)

Here’s a graph to help you visualize:

“A” (chaos-leader)    ”B”       follower      C          D       E (control-leader)

_____|____________|________|_____|______|__________|

I do want to be an “E”, but I’ve found I lack the wisdom to be ready for that. So right now, I’m aiming to be an “A”.

I have seen similar experiences to that of an “A” personality, as have most people. But nevertheless, the scenarios created by such a personality are generally chaotic, and thus clearly unacceptable from society’s standpoint; most people stop such behavior halfway through adolescence.

Because of the limitations set by these personalities, followers can sometimes feel caged by their obligations to traditions, and the various social norms. Sometimes they want to let loose, and act on impulse, in such a way as a “B” type might act.

In concerts, parties, and activities with a similarly chaotic atmosphere, it’s “normal” to act as such, and “C” type people are able to enjoy the immense social-high thereof – actually, perhaps a much greater one.

Although I myself am too “D” to relate to or appreciate it, I can at least understand why so many people do. If I could attain such a ”high”, I probably would join in too.

Seeing things from this perspective, it would also explain why there is such a demand for concerts, in spite of high prices and far lower quality music. In the midst of such chaos, it’s also very easy to forget about one’s problems, making it an ultimate venue for escapism. Just not for me.