Flash Mob Challenge

When I first heard the term “flash mob,” I immediately envisioned large groups of trench-coated individuals randomly flashing surprised shoppers and passers by. That was not the case. Actually, until now, the term “flash mob” has referred to “groups of people who organize on the Internet and then quickly assemble in public places, to do something bizarre, but friendly and often artistic, and then disperse.” Prank or Performance, it’s intended to lift hearts.

Legend has it, that the first flash mob was created by the editor of Harper’s Magazine on June 2, 2003 when more than 100 people converged on the ninth floor rug department of a Macy’s to view an expensive rug. They claimed they were all there shopping for a “love rug” for their home.

Other flash mobs include a stunt where 200 people flooded the lobby and mezzanine of the Hyatt hotel in synchronized applause for about 15 seconds and the Worldwide Pillow Fight Day where over 25 cities around the globe participated in the first “international flash mob.” (Philadelphia participated in the 2010 Pillow Fight last Saturday.)

One of the most popular and successful “flash mobs” is a group called “Improv Everywhere”, based out of New York. Their mission is to cause scenes of “chaos and joy.”  One of their best known missions was when they sent 200 people to Grand Central Station to “freeze” for several minutes.

A copycat Philly group named Stealthy Elephant recreated this stunt with hundreds of people at 30 St. Station.

Other Improv Everywhere missions have included: “No Shirts,” where 111 of shirtless men went to Abercrombie and Fitch.

“Best Game Ever” where they created a once-in-a-lifetime game cheering on a surprised group of little leaguers as if they were playing at Citizens Park.

And “Food Court Musical,” where a musical performance breaks out at a mall.

So, how did we ever arrive here? In case you’ve been living under a rock for the last few weeks, here’s the recent scoop on teenage Flash Mobs in Philadelphia. They’ve been gathering in large groups organized via text message and social media websites. They pick a location, show up in droves, and commit violence, theft, and general disorder. They gather so quickly, and in such large numbers, that Philadelphia police have had trouble controlling them.

They’ve caused disruption on several occasions, attacking pedestrians at The Gallery, knocking down customers and damaging displays as they stormed through Macy’s. They’ve caused fights on Broad St., where police made 28 arrests and charged several participants with felony rioting. The mob on South Street reached new levels and scared business owners. A potential flash mob in West Philly was thwarted thanks to a tip from a mother.

But why? Nobody seems to know the answer. Some kids said they were going for a “dance,” others just wanted to be part of “something big”. Heck, it’s hard to get 100 people to go to a club, even when you are using the powers of Facebook and Twitter. Who is the original organizer of these flash mobs, anyway? I bet a lot of club owners would love to know. They probably have a future in party promotion.

Mayor Nutter, to his credit, has been doing his part to calm and quell the situation. He recently spent a night on South St. with his lovely family to shop the neighborhood, and demonstrate his faith in the tightened up security. The police have been doing a yeoman’s job of protecting us, bringing thugs to justice, and preventing mayhem when parents cooperate. (A Shout Out to Philly’s finest and our “Thin Blue Line” and responsible parents in every neighborhood.)

So what are these teens up to? Violence? Theft? This is what the youth of Philadelphia are gathering for? Really guys? You’ll never get a date that way. At least, NOT with any girl that’s PhillyIn. HOW UNCOOL! Do something constructive or creative.  Join Students Run Philly! I challenge you to use the power of your numbers for positive endeavors.

For more info on Stealthy Elephant check out: www.stealthyelephant.org

For more info on Improv Everywhere check out: www.improveverywhere.com

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