AnthonyExhausted HW Blog Post 03

“The mob is composed of people expelled into a world characterised by violent colonialism, the expansion of industrial capitalism and subjugation; it is unable to make up its mind, distracted, easily corrupted, or rather corrupt by definition and always ready to betray anybody and everything in order to suck up to the elite” (Artifacts: A Conversation Between Hito Steyerl and Daniel Rourke, 2013).
Out of the entire conversation between Mr. Steyerl and Mr. Rourke, this quote spoke the loudest. Specifically, how this man’s definition conflicts with my own. Mob mentality or ‘the mob’ is both a faction/whole of the populous that must remain appeased to stay any revolutionary actions. Corruption does not naturally exist in these congregations. Rather it blossoms from the introduction of foreign maleficent viruses that exist to cause fear and panic. Unlike the definition quoted above, I would never so arrogantly say that a mob’s goal is to “…suck up to the elite”. Thinking that way might cause a stir and land one in quite a predicament against a likewise mob. Elites and other highbrow people can also be members of such mobs. Using the word “expel” was likewise an oddity. In a sense we are all generally forced into the world and circumstances we are born into; however, centering that on just mob members is weird. Subjugation and passage of time occurs constantly so again why does that only define these people. Mostly I am against this man’s definition and can’t get around not respecting its flaws.
Deeper thinking into the idea of mobs reminds me of the year 2000 movie, Gladiator. Especially the scene when one of the senators says, “Rome is the mob. Conjure magic for them and they’ll be distracted. Take away their freedom and still they’ll roar” (Gladiator). Elaborating on what could happen to a mob, as seen in this movie quote, I am more inclined to see how a mob could become distracted and laxer. Additionally, the opposite with harsh suppression they will ‘roar’.
Personally I am interested in these mob-esk gatherings. Over the years I have seen many occur. Both on television and in person. Every time I am just amazed at how people are willing to collectively join and fight for what they believe in. That amazement is probably what made this quote interest me the most.