Why are people more likely to do violence—riots, lynchings, assaults, gang-rapes, etc.

Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” shocked the nation when it was first published. She depicts the kind of mob mentality that can drive reasonable people to commit heinous acts, all while pointing to the need to support “tradition.” Research the sociological theories behind mob violence. Why are people more likely to do violence—riots, lynchings, assaults, gang-rapes, etc.—when they are in a group than when they are acting individually? You might also want to research human sacrifice in cultures throughout history. Another possible investigative thread might be the two strands of personality—those who fiercely cling to tradition, and those who embrace change and progress. How do those differing attitudes affect society even today? A final idea to pursue would be to research the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol. About 400 people have been arrested for mob violence when they assaulted the Capitol, illegally entered the halls of Congress, smeared feces on statues, broke into private offices, assaulted over 200 police officers, resulting in multiple deaths and permanent injuries. How does that horrifying debacle—perpetrated by criminals who said they were defending tradition—connect to Jackson’s story? Make a claim about what should be done to help prevent this kind of savage behavior in our modern world.

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