Harnessing Music as a Tool for Crowd Dispersal During Protests
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Chapter 1: The Power of Music in Social Settings
The idea of utilizing music as a means to disperse crowds is not a common practice, yet it has shown potential. Recent events in New Zealand highlighted a failure in this approach when officials attempted to clear anti-mask demonstrators by playing a series of poorly chosen tracks. The playlist included tunes like “Macarena” and “You’re Beautiful” — songs more suited for dancing than dispersing.
When musical choices are misaligned with the intended outcome, the results can be counterproductive, much like using a soothing lullaby in a chaotic environment.
Section 1.1: Misguided Musical Choices
The New Zealand authorities relied on songs that were not only familiar but also had the opposite effect of their intentions. Instead of opting for tracks that could encourage movement away from the protests, they inadvertently created a festive atmosphere. Trevor Mallard, the Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives, even resorted to Twitter for song requests, leading to the inclusion of James Blunt’s mellow hit, which did little to sway the crowd.
Subsection 1.1.1: Insights from a Neuroscientist
To better understand how music could effectively disperse crowds, I consulted with Daniel Levitin, a leading neuroscientist in music cognition. His research emphasizes three crucial principles — music must be unfamiliar, repetitive, or insipid, collectively referred to as URI. Levitin suggested that employing songs from unfamiliar cultures could be particularly effective, as they would confuse and unsettle the audience.
Section 1.2: Crafting the Ultimate Dispersal Playlist
Recognizing the need for a more effective strategy, I set out to create a playlist that would specifically target anti-mask protesters. This meant choosing tracks that were not only foreign to the audience but also discomforting. Levitin pointed out that music from cultures such as Chinese opera or Indian ragas could serve this purpose well.
Chapter 2: The Playlist of Discontent
To refine my approach, I compiled a unique Spotify playlist titled "Crowd Dispersal," aimed at those protesting Covid mandates across the globe.
The first video, "LRADs and Sound Cannons Are NOT Safe. Here's How To Minimize Their Effects," discusses the implications of using sound as a crowd control method, emphasizing the need for thoughtful application in protest scenarios.
The playlist features an eclectic mix, including Chinese opera, Pygmy songs, Indian ragas, and contemporary hyperpop, along with tracks that challenge auditory norms, such as Arnold Schoenberg’s atonal compositions.
Additionally, "In The River: A Protest Song by Raye Zaragoza" showcases how music can address social issues and encourage collective action, contrasting the intended purpose of the dispersal playlist.
Incorporating expert opinions and unconventional music, my goal was to create a soundscape that would effectively drive away those engaged in protest. With the right auditory stimuli, it turns out, the power of music can indeed transform chaotic social interactions.
Joel Stein, a senior fellow at the Joel Stein Institute, has previously contributed to renowned publications and authored multiple books. Follow his insights across social media platforms.