The Archive
Explorations of consciousness, critical inquiry into culture, and reflections on the art of being human.
The trouble with adults is that they often talk down to children, which, in turn gives them a false sense of superiority and an inflated ego. They assume children are incapable of understanding complex ideas or seeing things as they are, dismissing their thoughts as naïve or fabricated. This condescending attitude reveals not only a…
There is something deeply detestable about the way politicians and sections of the media now talk about mental health. Not because the subject is discussed too much, but because it is discussed dishonestly. The language of “over-medicalisation” has become a convenient alibi — a way to moralise withdrawal of support, to reframe austerity as realism,…
Conformists who critique the unique ways of eccentrics, such as their fashion choices or hobbies, are indeed the ones in the wrong. Yet, this fault is often overlooked by social groups and society at large. Bystanders unconsciously perceive the conformist as upholding societal norms, thereby not recognising their own complicity in enabling bullying behaviour. It’s…
It’s disconcerting to observe how rapidly a person’s behaviour alters in the presence of celebrities, politicians, and the like. These individuals merely possess a high status due to their popularity and/or financial superiority over those around them, leading to a starstruck response. The glorification of an immortal subject is problematic enough, but it becomes even…
When people express interest in something new, is it genuine? The latest tech gadget, the newest entertainment product, the hippest music artist, the trendiest fashion brand, and so on. Are these interests authentic? Those who quickly find themselves jumping on bandwagons may deceive themselves into believing that their newfound interest is genuine. How often have…
The mindset of the mainstream, the crowd-pleaser and the conformist, is often misguided. It’s no secret, especially to those who have had to navigate the social hierarchy of adolescence, that teenagers grapple with an identity crisis. This is when the question, “Who am I?”, begins to occupy their thoughts. The answer to this question is…
Cults cannot flourish without the presence of a charismatic leader and a sense of camaraderie among their followers. People are perpetually in search of a secure sense of belonging. In its extreme forms, this sense of belonging is found not only in traditional cults, where the leader is revered as a prophet and can control…
Crowd psychology is a fundamental aspect of human nature. It’s no surprise that even the most open-minded and reasonable individuals might scoff at its mention, particularly if it’s their first encounter with the concept in a discussion. The idea of the ‘hive mind’—a term that refers to a collective consciousness where a group becomes aware…
One sure way to offend the ego of an average person is to assert that they are followers, not leaders; that their worldview is shaped more by collective influence than by personal desires. Psychology Today defines conformity as the tendency of an individual to align their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours with those of the surrounding…