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On July 30, 2018, a rally in Tampa, Florida turned sour when a question asked by a journalist prompted the crowd to turn on him. The journalist, Jim Acosta, a CNN correspondent, raised concerns about the President’s stance on immigration. With a microphone in hand, Acosta posed his question only to be drowned out by boos and chants of “CNN sucks!”
This incident was not the first time that the President has attacked the media. Trump has repeatedly accused the news of fabricating stories and using fake news to undermine his presidency. Given this ongoing tension between the Trump administration and the press, one might ask why anyone would choose to attend a rally where the President was speaking.
The answer might lie in the energy and excitement that comes with being part of a crowd. Imagine being part of a community of people who believe in the same things you do. Imagine being in a packed stadium, surrounded by people chanting and cheering as the President takes the stage. It’s easy to see how this kind of community could give us a sense of belonging, empower us, and help us to feel part of something bigger than ourselves.
But it’s not just about the sense of community that the crowd provides. There’s also what’s called a “burstiness” to being part of a crowd. Burstiness refers to the idea that one might feel a sudden rush of emotion, be it excitement, fear, or anger. The collective energy of the crowd can amplify these emotions, making them even more powerful.
One example of burstiness occurred during the 2017 Women’s March. Millions of people took to the streets to demand that their voices be heard. The energy and passion of the crowd was palpable, as people chanted and marched together in solidarity. It was a powerful display of collective strength and determination, and it left an indelible impression on those who participated.
But not all crowds are created equal. Some crowds can be dangerous, as they can quickly turn into mobs. This is when we see what’s known as “perplexity”. Perplexity occurs when people become disoriented or confused. It can happen when people are put in situations that are unfamiliar or stressful.
When we’re perplexed, our brains can’t make sense of what’s going on. We may react impulsively or irrationally. This can lead to mob behavior, where we act aggressively out of fear or anger. In a crowd, this kind of behavior can quickly spin out of control.
This is precisely what happened when Jim Acosta posed his question at the Trump rally in Tampa. The crowd turned on him, booing and chanting “CNN sucks!” They even started to push and shove him, making it clear that he was not welcome there. The perplexity of the crowd, combined with the burstiness of their emotions, created a dangerous situation for Acosta.
This incident raises some important questions about the role of the press in our society. The press has often been referred to as the “Fourth Estate”, which means that it’s considered to be a cornerstone of democracy. It’s the job of the press to hold those in power accountable, to shine a light on injustices, and to give a voice to those who might not otherwise be heard.
At its best, the press can be an invaluable tool for democracy. But when the press is attacked, its ability to fulfill this role is severely compromised. If journalists are afraid to ask tough questions or report on uncomfortable truths, then our democracy is weakened. We need the press to be a watchdog, to keep those in power accountable, and to help us make informed decisions.
The incident at the Trump rally in Tampa is a clear example of how dangerous it can be when the President attacks the press. It sends a message that the press is not to be trusted, that they are the enemy. This can create an environment where journalists are afraid to do their jobs, and a culture of secrecy and misinformation can take root.
In conclusion, being part of a crowd can be a powerful experience. It can give us a sense of belonging and amplify our emotions. But it’s important to be aware of the potential dangers, especially when the crowd is perplexed or its energy is turned towards aggression. The incident at the Trump rally in Tampa is a reminder of how important it is to have a free and independent press, and how dangerous it can be when the press is attacked. The press is a cornerstone of democracy, and we must do everything we can to protect it.
