Jumping on the 'Bandwagon' (follower, choice)

[Bishka]

(Idea taken from post #22 in "Wal-mart" Thread)

For those of you that think jumping on the 'bandwagon' is dumb and just popular culture; what do you support? Do you support any societial programs or programs that better us as a country or people (or your country, if you aren't US)? Why haven't you jumped on any 'bandwagons'? What makes the people who jump on the bandwagons 'dumb'? Is it bad to be a follower towards a common goal that is better furthering the society?

[!Fluffy!]

speaking only for myself: bandwagons are like clowns.



just wrong and scary on so many levels...

[Bishka]

Originally Posted by Moon Woman

speaking only for myself: bandwagons are like clowns.



just wrong and scary on so many levels...

So all of them are wrong, even if they are trying to stop such injustices as discrimination, violence, pollution, etc.?

[Tigress]

Originally Posted by beckysoup61

(Idea taken from post #22 in "Wal-mart" Thread)

For those of you that think jumping on the 'bandwagon' is dumb and just popular culture; what do you support? Do you support any societial programs or programs that better us as a country or people (or your country, if you aren't US)? Why haven't you jumped on any 'bandwagons'? What makes the people who jump on the bandwagons 'dumb'? Is it bad to be a follower towards a common goal that is better furthering the society?

Generally, when I think of, or hear the phrase 'jumping on the bandwagon,' I tend to think of folks who join a cause, or trend for no other reason than 'it's cool.' I think this is the mind of a lot of folks, right or wrong. You may want to check out 'the bandwagon effect,' as it explains things further.

[Phil Osophy]

In the world of investing it is usually disastrous if you "jump on the bandwagon". It is even worse when you "follow the herd", which basically means "jumping on the bandwagon" late in the day. I suppose it does not follow from this that "bandwagons" are a poor choice in the general world, but I have nothing to do with them.

[Bishka]

So, for example, because I've watched a video, researched a bit and have found something I don't believe in (and it just happens to be the 'popular' thing at the time, I'm jumping on the bandwagon?

[gnomon]

Jumping on the bandwagon is to join a cause without critical thought. Just watch the protests shown from time to time on C-SPAN and listen to the commentaries of the people involved. Important issues should be discussed with reason, not popular mass delusion or societal feel good gang banging. The latter is all I see among large protests. What artistry of costume they have but the individual message coming from the speakers is one often of stupidity. They don't think for themselves but only parrot a message they haven't criticized.

[gnomon]

Originally Posted by beckysoup61

So, for example, because I've watched a video, researched a bit and have found something I don't believe in (and it just happens to be the 'popular' thing at the time, I'm jumping on the bandwagon?

No, you are raising questions. If you were to go out and boycott Wal-Mart without researching the business practices of other box retailers or the effects on communities when predominantly middle class neighbourhoods prevent a Wal-Mart from opening in an area that lives right at the average national income level or lower.

If you don't take the time to do more research than yes indeed you would be jumping on the bandwagon. I hold a rather different opinion about Wal-Mart then you and others but I have yet to watch the documentary. I'm hoping they have it at my local video store, or perhaps the local Wal-Mart.

[Bishka]

Originally Posted by gnomon

If you don't take the time to do more research than yes indeed you would be jumping on the bandwagon. I hold a rather different opinion about Wal-Mart then you and others but I have yet to watch the documentary. I'm hoping they have it at my local video store, or perhaps the local Wal-Mart.

They had it at my video store, and I literally live in the reddest county in the country (2004 election 95% voted for Bush); so I think they'll have the video where you are. I personally don't agree with any of Wal-Mart's policies, and my husband (who thinks much more then I do) doesn't as wel. As a couple we have decided to stop supporting them.

I'll share my husband's theory real quick. In my opinion, Wal-Mart provides shoddy items; whether it be electronics, clothing, toys, etc. Anything Wal-Mart brand has fallen apart on us within three months (no joke). His idea is that they keep prices so low, and their product so crappy so that the lower income families who can afford the low price items keep having to come back when their stuff breaks because that's all that they can afford. (Short version of his thoughts)