Somewhere Out There, Chidi Anagonye Just Got A Stomachache

In the 1970s, I attended a liberal arts college and earned a sociology degree. One of the upper-level courses was a seminar on sociological theory. Each class period focused on a different theorist. We were expected to have read the material before class and be prepared for discussions. 

On this particular day, we were to discuss the works of Georg Simmel, a German theorist who wrote about group interactions. One aspect of his theory was about how individuals sometimes surrender individual decision-making and succumb to the will of the crowd. He noted that this is more likely to happen in larger groups.

The professor stood at the podium and addressed the class.

Professor: “Tell me about Simmel.”

There was silence as each of us waited for someone else to take the initiative.

Professor: *Sternly* “Somebody had better start talking.”

I spoke up.

Me: “We were demonstrating Simmel’s theory. Our group is large enough that none of us feel individual responsibility.”

Professor: *Grinning* “Smarta**.”