Mindless sheep...

[TehOden]

also, here is an interesting fact for you - lemmings aren't actually mindless beasts who fling themselves off cliffs while migrating.

As accurate as this may be, I challenge you to not giggle at least a little bit at the thought of a sea of little brown furry critters pouring off a ledge like a living waterfall. I do NOT challenge you to continue giggling when thinking of the fate that awaits them as they plummet to their doom.

ngl, I used to find it hilarious. but I had this book of like "nature facts" or something when I was about nine or so, and there was this thing about a disney documentary which had footage of lemmings jumping from a cliff - but the truth behind the footage was that the documentary people had rigged up a machine that would literally just throw them off the cliff.

wow. great work, disney. perpetuating a myth and also slaughtering dozens of cute little animals, all in one fell blow.

took me a while before I could bear to watch another disney movie

Yeah, I've heard about that, but what if it was a very small cliff? With a bunch of mattresses at the bottom. Would you giggle then? =D

 

[TheComedown]

Something that u would not have to suffer if the masses did not beleive themselves to be the one and only true way of life, when there is more to life than being like everyone else.

What you fail to realize here is now you are just a sheep to a different culture. Look at the indie crowd, the hipsters, they are supposed to be all about anti culture and such, but are just more fads people get to choose from. These 2 crowds can't really be called the masses, but if you've ever talked to some you'll know they believe themselves better for not being sheep, even tho they are sheep too a different trend. This whole train of thought is pretty pointless. Bottom line, you're 13, stop thinking about this shit, and go play cod or skate. Nobody cares what you play.

 

[Casual Shinji]

I hate to play the puderty card, but since you're 13 it's only natural for you to swim against the current and distinguish yourself from the masses by accusing them of being "mindless". Everybody does that when they're that age.

Then again, maybe you've matured at a young age, I don't know kids these days anyway.

 

[Continuity]

Well, there is a vast and rich selection of games out there that's for sure, and I for one pity any gamer who spends all their time in just one game. If I haven't played at least 20 (arbitrary figure) different games in a year then its not been a good year for me.

Also you bring up that old chestnut about something being undesirable or less good if its popular or if everyone is doing it... well yes I personally think that is the case, games are not objectively good or bad (to a point) but rather subjectively enjoyable or not enjoyable, and this will depend to a large degree on what mindset you approach the game with. Plus of course there is the general truism that popular things tend to be dumbed down and in some degree bland to ensure maximum audience size.. not prime ingredients for a masterpiece.

There are many more important things to consider regarding the human tendency toward conformity than what games we play...

But not in the context of gaming, and to be frank I think its fair to say this forum has that context.

 

[The Unworthy Gentleman]

The answer is simple: neither.

You shouldn't fight something because it is popular. Most things are popular for a reason and are usually good, if not great. These products may not pander to your tastes and aren't as good as the crowd has made them out to be, which is a valid reason to not like a game. What isn't a valid reason is that it's liked. That reason defies all logic and is, to put it simply, foolish.

On the other hand, we shouldn't just follow the crowd. Don't be afraid to go out of your comfort zone once or twice to see if you like something, you should always be looking to broaden your tastes. Similarly to fighting the popular things, you shouldn't be buying things because they're popular.

These two conflicting ideas leads me to the main point; do what you like. If the games looks good, buy it. If you think it looks like utter shit then don't.

See things in grey, then turn them to black and white.

 

[PhiMed]

I found a button for the OP.
http://www.bigcheesebadges.com/images/you_non_conformists_are_all_the_same.png

If they're your friends, tell them to piss off if they berate you for your playing habits. Expect the same treatment from them. Everybody wins.

 

[PhunkyPhazon]

I just have to say, you type very damn well for a 13 year old on the internet. Most people your age type like they're in a big hurry, don't use punctuation, and completely ignore the concept of paragraph breaks.

Anyways, I'll echo what others are saying and tell you not to worry about it. Save these sorts of thoughts for your late high school/college years.

 

[Messing]

Here's a counter question I propose, should people be looked down on because they follow the masses?

In answer to that question . I think that they won't be looked down upon for following the masses as there will be more people with the same interests as them and will appropriately defend them if needed . Should they be ? Of course not .

OT : No , I think it is not 'right' that your friend comes on aggressively to you . If that is what happened . But you also need to be less superior in tone as you use the phrases "Mindless Sheep" and "Consumer Slaves" which really does come off in a 'I'm better then you tone' . It all really comes down to personal taste . So who cares if they like another game is what I'm saying really . If they're your friends it shouldn't matter what games you like .

 

[TaboriHK]

You're way too young to be worrying about mindless masses. Let that be your source of adult depression like the rest of us.

Actually, he's about the right age. 13. Eventually he'll grow out of it and realise that "something is popular because it's popular doesn't make sense. Something becomes popular because people enjoy the experience. Shit loads of teenage girls aren't reading Twilight because it's popular. Twilight's popular because shit loads of teenage girls are reading it.The real issue isn't that people are mindless masses that follow trends, the real issue is that there are actually people who like this shit.

I started becoming jaded myself and using big words to anonymously mix in with adults on forums around this age. It only intensified my level of jadedness and self-absorption as a teenager, which did not actually improve my life. Of course, the curse of perception is not exactly one that can be exorcised, so it's all moot anyhow I suppose.

 

[Continuity]

Save these sorts of thoughts for your late high school/college years.

Not to mention the rest of your natural life

Seriously, this stuff only grates more as you get older... unless you finally conform that is.

 

[Archwright]

Ok. There's dozens of ways to answer this. I'll try to hit a few that haven't been hammered to death by the other posters.

1. Teenagers are cruel, even to their friends.
2. Your friends want to share something with you, and they don't want to leave you behind (skill wise). Essentially, this is analogous to every peer-pressure example you'll get in psych class.
3. Your friends are why I don't play multiplayer shooters. Just sayin. See #1.
4. Call of Duty enjoys a social "Positive Feedback Loop". Popularity after a certain point is self-perpetuating. (It is also very easy to collapse, for the following reason.)
5. Nobody controls the herd, everyone controls the herd. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swarming_behaviour and http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1684427,00.html
6. The game is popular because it feeds into our basic punishment/reward drive. Check this Extra Credits video: http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/extra-credits/2487-The-Skinner-Box
7. If you're really interested in why, take Psychology and Sociology classes.

 

[Wolfenbarg]

People always are drawn in by hysteria. However, you should be a little more objective in analyzing WHY people are drawn in to something by the masses. Not everything that grabs people's attention will necessarily keep it. Your example of people devoting their lives to Call of Duty is a good example. Seeing such a massive number of people clamoring to a shooter series that has consistently proven that it won't last you more than a weekend on single player probably gives pause to a lot of people. However, if you play it, you'll see a very well crafted shooter with very accessible mechanics. I would hardly call the two titles that have come after Modern Warfare masterpieces, but they're good. They also have a promise of a large community to play with because of the numbers flocking to them.

Anyway, if you want to make observations on society, please do the following:

1) Try to use a sociologist's perspective of observing the why behind actions, rather than just the actions themselves.

2) Do not be so condescending towards the masses. While there are a lot of stupid people out there, a lot of those idiots may be even more intelligent than you. I've been humbled many times when calling out humanity or American society as a whole.

3) Consider that people watch mass followings with interest because those tend to be safe decisions. While there are extreme cases of this going horribly wrong in history, when it comes to spending money, that is a pretty wise decision when trying to avoid being ripped off.

 

[oppp7]

People have different interests. Some like storyline, some like gameplay. And good gameplay and such can last a long time, if that person is resistant to repetition (like me). There's not a right or wrong choice of video games. One thing you'll hopefully, but probably not, learn is to drop the elitism of 'X is better than Y because X does things differently' or 'Z is better than W because it has a better storyline.'

 

[lacktheknack]

Lemmings was a pretty awesome game.

Gah, bloody ninjas!

Just say you play the non-popular stuff to piss him off, and watch the rage fly.

I've had the same exchange, and I told the other guy that I was busy playing Mirror's Edge time trials and wasn't going to switch on a whim. His devastating comeback?

"What the hell is Mirror's Edge? Sounds gay."

Conversation ended immediately.

 

[PrimoThePro]

Snip

Okay, let me start by saying welcome. I will also say you did a damn fine job of pointing out your argument. But now that you are part of our family, I should let you know that you shouldn't put too much opinion into your thread. Of course put it there, but not so much to make the other side look like total idiots, even if they can be. (Other than that I am thoroughly impressed by your post. You do not sound like a 13 year old. 17 year old at least.) I gotta say I do agree that everyone should break away from the mold, but at least once. If they find their niche is in putting their lives into games that you or others may find... unsavoury, for lack of a better term, then let them do that. But of course they should go ahead and play something like Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2, the best skating game to ever exist ever. (No offence) I do believe it was released on your birthday, young'un.

 

[oooooooooooooooooooooooooo]

I would argue that there is indeed a mindless mass, though the "mass" part might be a little overstated. Can you honestly say that you've never done something because everyone else was doing it, and said you agreed with something or enjoyed something just to fit in with all your friends? I'm pretty sure most of us are guilty of that sometimes. It's human nature to try and fit in with a group, and sometimes that means saying you enjoy something without actually stopping to question weather you really do or not.

Have I ever done something as a result of peer pressure? Indeed I have, however I've honestly never pretended to like something because of people's opinions and, unless I've been massively fooled, I'm pretty no one I know has either. Maybe I'm just generally surrounded by good people and maybe there are more occurrences of people faking taste as a result pressure in different social circles, but I honestly think its nowhere near the scale of a mass. I think the "mindless mass" is largely a myth created to feed the elitists' superiority complex.

 

[Ruwrak]

It seems you have misunderstood my opinions. I do not see the "masses" as mindless slaves to the corporational giants, I simply do not understand why some people think that it's ok to have a go at someone simply because they do not share their point of view or that of the majority. I do not find it fair that ingenuity is often denied due to them thinking differently to how someone else and their friends do.

I can answer that for you.
But first off, I must say that im quite impressed to read such a well structured and grammar that is actually above the usual posts made by 13 year olds (usually they don't reach further then insulting something about a mom and a teacan or something. I dunno, never take time to read that.) so, a tip to the hat for thee.

And why, you ask?
Very simple and elementary. It's human nature.
It's not just games you know, politics, religions, racial groups, musical tastes, schools, various workplaces. The world is full of people who deem themselves superiour just because they have a certain idea that is 'right'.

Thing is. Noone is really right or wrong when it comes to a vision or ideal. And for most people this is just not acceptable, therefore it creates a notion of 'just beeing better'.


Then again, it might also just be that black ops is just a really good game and they want you to join in on the fun. But, that could be me.
And 13 years? I'd say you are to young to think about such matters, but then again.. You do speak with the notion of someone who is, quite mature for their age.

 

[dj Facchiano]

I really, really, really hope this is satire.

They're being aggressive with you for not liking CoD. Judging by the tone of your OP, you probably said something like "Why are you playing CoD, you mindless sheeple. You should play this other game, because I'm better than you." In which case, they would be justified in being aggressive towards you.

Sure, your one friend was a dumbass. The again, it sounds like you were talking over PSN/Live. It's entirely possible he was just exasperated by the fact he had no one to play Black Ops with and sent you a message that was easy to misinterpret. Typing with a controller is hard, so people tend to type whatever makes some sense and send it, rather than making sure the message is clear.
Regardless, liking a game does not make you any kind of sheep. For one thing, sheep are actually quite intelligent. For another, despite your superior attitude, you aren't any better than your friend. Congratulations, you noticed human beings tend to act in certain ways. So has everybody else. You're just as much of a "sheep" as your friend. You just act out of the norm enough to convince yourself you're different.

At least your friend is content. You've managed to convince yourself your different, without being different. Your friend is aware of where he is in life, and has learned to accept it.

If u read the comments in this thread u will know that I dont wish to portray myself as superior, and it is this that is in fact what I am constantly annoyed by. It is the people thinking that they are superior simply because more people like what they like.

sorry to but into this conversation, but you seriously think all call of duty players think their superior to you because more people play the same thing they do? Basically no, they don't really care what you do, they do what seems fun to them. As for your "friend" he probably just wanted you to play with him and you over examined what he said. Good luck with them social skills bro
P.S your going through that "my thought it deeper than the rest of the world" phase of being a teenager, trust me bro, your not special.
P.S.S theirs no such thing as "the masses" just because a large amount of people enjoy one activity doesn't mean there they same or even similar in anyway for example, I like pizza, a lot of people like pizza, ARE WE A MINDLESS PIZZA MASS UNABLE TO SEE THE ARTISTIC VALUE OF SUSHI? ARE WE UNABLE TO TRY SUSHI BECAUSE WERE SO SIMPLE MINDED WE CAN ONLY ENJOY PIZZA?