Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"Mass hysterias are sometimes when you, when you're trapped in an elevator, you can't get out. That would be scary. But how is that mass too big? It could be a large elevator to your fair." — Marcus Parks
"Mass hysteria is a somatic disorder, meaning it's a mental disorder in which an individual has actual physical symptoms, but without the medical condition that is associated with those symptoms." — Marcus Parks
"The concept of you're dealing with an issue that is widespread and immediate. And then, you know, as we have all discovered as we've got to know there, when you're trying to figure out how to get an answer from all these various experts, these people that are the work for the government and they just kind of want to butt up whatever situation's going on real fast." — Henry Zebrowski
The episode critically examines the phenomenon of mass hysteria, defining it as a social contagion where groups of people experience similar, often irrational, behaviors or physical symptoms without a clear physical cause. The discussion navigates through various historical and modern examples, starting with the concept of collective delusions, such as the January 6th Capitol incident, and mass psychogenic illness, exemplified by historical dancing plagues and more recent unexplained afflictions. The hosts explore the potential causes, including societal anxieties, psychological stress, and the power of suggestion, highlighting how these outbreaks often occur in segregated groups under high stress.
The conversation traces the historical impact of mass hysteria through various periods, including the Salem witch trials, the Milan poisoning incident, and outbreaks in medieval convents, emphasizing how these events were often fueled by fear, superstition, and a need to find scapegoats. The episode also touches on modern examples like the Pokemon panic of 1997, the Tanzanian laughter epidemic, and the Halifax slasher incident, illustrating how these phenomena continue to manifest in unexpected ways, often without clear scientific explanations, and how societal factors and media amplification play a significant role in their spread and impact.
Ultimately, the hosts conclude that mass hysteria is a complex, multifaceted phenomenon that affects individuals across all demographics, underscoring that reality itself can be a fluid construct shaped by consensus and social influence. The episode emphasizes that no one is immune to falling prey to mass hysteria, especially when anxieties are amplified and reinforced by peer groups and authority figures, making critical thinking and awareness essential in navigating such societal events.