Hello everyone. I hope all is well with you. I’ve been busy working on my latest WIP and polishing the manuscript I just finished. I ran across an article on Facebook when I was in the middle of revising. Yes. I’m trying to stay away from social media so I get more done, but some days I’m better at it than others. But I digress. Today I’d like to talk about Mob Mentality.
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The event that inspired this post is an article about a new release coming out. Here’s the link to the article here: Article about the Book Review
This all started over a review about the story, “The Black Witch.” One reviewer didn’t like the book and she wrote about it on her blog. It offended her. She’s entitled to write about her reaction to the story, but what happened afterward is sad.
Many other bloggers and many of her followers jumped on the band wagon and criticized the book even though they hadn’t read it. This is what I mean by a mob mentality. People joining in on the criticism even though they had no idea if what this blogger said was true. So, a book that had a popular buzz going ended up tanking because of this blogger and the people who jumped on the band wagon.
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I think this is unfortunate, but I’m not here to complain about that. I wonder if mob mentality is something we can use to spread kindness. Let’s think about it. We know it exists so let’s use it for good instead of evil. What do you think? Is it possible?
I don’t know. But I’m willing to find out. Why can’t some form of kindness go viral? Why is it always something negative? I know negativity sells, but we could turn that around, too. Don’t you think?
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What if a bunch of us bloggers got together and wrote posts about kindness? How it matters. The positive impact it has on our lives. Anything like that, and we used a hashtag like #kindnessmatters. I wonder if we could get it to go viral.
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Wouldn’t that be something? Just think if we could start a positive vibe. I wonder what the ripple effect would be? Well, there’s only one way to find out. Is there anyone who’d be interested in getting together and doing this? I’m thinking maybe we could write a post once a week about an act of kindness we preformed or one we received. The more bloggers who get involved the bigger the ripple. What are your thoughts? Leave a comment and let me know. I’m up for it, are you?
Wonderful post, Lisa! Kindness DOES matter. Especially in the virtual world where the reach is far! Kudos, girlfriend! You’re truly one of the kind ones!
Awww…thanks, Sharon! I appreciate your support. 🙂
Great idea. It is sad that negatively gets more attention. Says a lot about society.
Unfortunately, it does. But I believe we can turn it around. 🙂
That sure would be nice to see some kindness and nice stuff going viral for a change!
Yes! It would. I’m trying to get something started, are you in?
I’m up for a “random acts of kindness”, “pay it forward” kind of challenge!
Awesome, Cynthia! Let me try and get some other bloggers together and see if we can pull this off! 🙂
K, definitely!
You’re absolutely right, Lisa! Kindness does matter and it takes many people doing more to counteract what seems like the easier path of criticism and complaint. Just yesterday, my son said,”it’s easier to get noticed for doing something bad, than it is for doing something good.” He’s 8, but he feels it too.
You know I’m on board with any #kindnessmatters. I try and live it. I want to spread it.
Awesome, Angela! I’ll get back to you as soon as I get more bloggers on board. 🙂
I’m all about spreading kindness! I’m hardwired to uplift, not put down.
Chuck Wendig got tons of 1 star reviews with his Star Wars Book, Aftermath, and sold tons of copies out of curiosity. Sometimes any publicity is good publicity. It’s unfortunate when it happens to new authors. It’s a part of human DNA to go with group mentality to fit in. It’s why gossip in groups can be so harmful. It’s what Lord of the Flies was about.
I hear you and it’s human nature to be negative too. It’s our way of protecting ourselves. But I think if we made a conscious effort to be more positive I think we could really start a ripple effect. 🙂 I’m putting you on my list of bloggers who’re willing to participate…I’ll get back to you when I’ve got more. 🙂
This is an excellent idea Lisa! Kindness DOES matter. One very small act of kindness could make someone’s day. I would love to do this with you Lisa x
Awesome, Gloria. I’ll get back to you when I get more bloggers interested! 🙂
Hi Lisa,
When I read this was about mob mentality, I thought it might be about the White Supremacists that marched yesterday. Regardless, your book about kindness is sorely needed at this time. I’m off to share your post.
Janice
Thanks for sharing, Janice. I appreciate it. No. I don’t want to write about that group. I don’t want to give them any more attention. 🙂
Its funny, I feel like I should be able to quickly conjure up several examples of peer pressure used on a mass scale to induce positive change. But for some reason I’m having a difficult time. Guess this means that its time to get more engaged and become part of the solution rather than a silent spectator. Lovely idea and would be great if this kind of influence could be exerted to promote projects of kindness.
Yes. I agree. I’m keeping a list and when I feel I’ve got enough bloggers together…we’ll do it. 🙂