How does this image represent John Stuart Mill's ideas of the dangers of popular opinion and Tyranny of the Majority?
Use one example from contemporary American society to support your point.
Do you remember that saying your parents would always say, "If your friend jumped off a cliff, would you still do whatever they did?" Well that was what came to my mind when I saw this picture off the people just aimlessly following the person ahead of them. John Stuart Mill's ideas of the danger of popular opinion and tyranny of the majority are exactly what this picture is depicting. The people all look the same and have no individual characteristics to distinguish them apart, showing that they are all being influenced by the same idea and believing it to be the truth. The scary part about tyranny of the majority is that people can be brainwashed and manipulated by a powerful group or a single person.
Today in society, one powerful company is Disney. The company is known all over the world and influences the lives of children dramatically. Although Disney is usually promoting ideas and values that are good, it still has a huge influence on the youth of the world. The children are influenced by the clothes and music from numerous Disney shows, such as High School Musical. When the children see the "stars" having a wonderful time dancing and singing, they look up to them and strive to be just like their favorite character. This is great for Disney because the children WANT to be just like the characters in the shows, so Disney is able to sell millions and millions of dollars in merchandise. The Disney company has many great attributes, but it is like a tyranny of the majority, since it has lots of money, power, and access to the media to influence the youth of the world.
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3 comments:
I agree with your example of Disney. It is very true how especially young children are influenced by Disney movies and shows. In fact many of the characters, including cartoon characters are attractive to the audience, which targets the younger generation. I have nieces who have the Disney Princess collection merchandise, because they want to grow up and become "Princesses." It just shows how money does lead to power.
Amen about the power of the Disney machine!
You are right about Disney's power of influence. I used to work at Disneyland, and because so many tourists come every day, they have one of the most strict dress codes I have ever been a part of. Guys couldn't have hair long enough to touch the collar of our shirt or dyed hair either, no piercings or tattoos, no facial hair, etc. They have so much power, that they want to make sure that their employees represent the company in the best possible way.
What would kids think if Cinderella had her lip pierced, or if Aladdin had tattoos all over his body? I am sure that parents would be pretty upset with Disney, which is understanding. Employers always want to present themselves as professional. But who's to say what is professional or not? Those in power dictate what we know is professional or unprofessional, and what is right or wrong for that matter too.
Disney is a great example of tyranny of the majority. Although they are promoting good ideas, it is still dangerous as to how much people will be influenced by them.
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