Did you see this article in the Times this weekend? An Outdoor Party Where the Dancers Supply, but Don’t Share, the Music
It’s all about this new phenomenon, the “silent rave.” One happened-maybe you were there–in Union Square last Friday. About 1,000 people gathered, poked their ear buds in, and started dancing to the music playing in their heads. Yes, everyone dancing simultaneously, but each to different music.
What does this mean? Does it speak to the human craving for connection AND to our thoroughly modern addiction to isolation? What do people gain from gyrating soundlessly to what’s loud only in their minds, but still within touch–and sight–of others similarly distracted by their own private I-Pod drummers. Is it another symptom of societal anomy? A bold new move toward egalitarianism? Or is it just a press stunt??
Frankly, I’m confused. What do you think?
Your blog solved a mystery because I was there at the tail end of this with some friends, when the group was breaking up and I couldn’t tell what the commotion was about. We saw some people randomly climbing the statue of George Washington and some others dancing with their ipods on.
I actually find the craze pretty fun. Also, it allows people to listen to loud music outside with no complaints of noise pollution.