Over the past couple of months, I’ve seen many organizations attempt the infamous flash mob. Though flash mobs emerged only six years ago, they have stopped society in our tracks forcing us to stop, listen and watch. The latest flash mobs have been used to successfully promote a cause, utilizing word-of-mouth.
The latest flash mob occurred in Ohio, lead by a group of students from the University of Cincinnati. The goal – “to demonstrate the effects of harried and inaction.” Last Tuesday, a group of 25 students wore duck tape and t-shirts the quote – “Are you listening?” The quote was from Lady Gaga at the October gay rights march in Washington, D.C. Blake Jelley, a sophomore at UC said, “Flash mobbing is a different form of protest that uses actions and body language as opposed to words.“It’s much more effective because most people haven’t seen it – most people are used to seeing protesters with signs and screaming. When people take the time to watch you they take the time to absorb your actions and think about what you’re doing.”
Check out the video below.
This specific flash mob was in response to Maine’s vote to repeal equal marriage legislation. What makes flash mobs effective is their ability to interrupt your reality and force you into another’s reality. For example, the UC flash mob obstructed traffic and exercised ever-powerful non-verbal communications.
Communications is rooted in both what we say and what we don’t say. This can also be said for our LGBT community. Our visibility and presence is equally as important as our voice and our ability to impact change. For companies and organizations that are seeking ways for inclusion, sometimes it’s not about saying anything at all – it’s just about opening the door to listen.
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