The Power of the Crowd

Aim: How do we analyze the concept of crowd manipulation and relate it to conformity?  

Quick Write: Do you believe it is right to manipulate a crowd for your own purposes? Why or why not?

Today we will continue to explore the idea of crowd manipulation. Manipulate means to control or handle in a skillful way. For what purposes would people want to manipulate groups or crowds?

Step 1: Watch the two videos below, making note of what happens and what exactly the speakers say to convince the crowd to act and behave as they do. For each video, take notes on techniques that are used to manipulate the crowds such as music, posters, tone of speech. Listen to what each speaker specifically says to convince the crowd to follow them and their ideals. Write down something they say in the exact words. Then generate two questions you have and one reaction. There is a graphic organizer for these notes available in the classroom or by clicking here.

The two videos are below.

Hitler's speech to German youth.

I Have a Dream speech

Final Reflection: Write a reflection on one of the critical questions below. Submit your notes on the videos along with the reflection or post your work on your blog.

Critical Questions

• Why would politicians, advertisers, celebrities, or community leaders want to "work" a crowd?
• How are crowds manipulated for the common good?
• How are crowds manipulated for bad purposes?
• How do we analyze the ethics (right and wrong) of crowd manipulation?
• How can we prevent ourselves from being manipulated by crowds? Should we?

Discussion Question!!!!
What was the most interesting question or comment you heard today in class? Put your thoughts on the comment section below and earn one extra credit Accountable Talk II point.

What's Due

• PowerPoint on the human behavior experiments
• 1st MP Journal or blog
• Daily classwork
• Independent reading book

***Don't forget to complete and turn in your "Six Elements of Engagement Daily Self-Tracker" before leaving class.

****Always check Engrade for your up-to-the-minute progress in this class.****