Crowds, Control, and Modernity

This chapter examines the historical dynamics between crowds and modern society, particularly through Gustave Le Bon's theories on crowd behavior. It critiques the longstanding perception of crowds as dangerous, analyzing their role in fostering democratic ideals and the responses from state powers, including the evolution of policing methods. The chapter also reflects on personal experiences from recent protests, offering insights into the complexities of collective dissent and the significance of crowd psychology in contemporary political movements.