collectivization

verb \ kə-ˈlek-ti-ˌvīz \

Definition of collectivization

In this book, the term describes a self-replicating memetic process in a community that has lost its ability to evaluate and update its collective memetic formation. Two conditions may provoke collectivization: 1) if the relative number of Ludens in society is reduced to the level when they are producing too few new memes. 2) if society faces a real or imaginary threat, so every Knowman in this society is too scared to try new ideas or even analyze the situation critically. Both of these conditions together make collectivization almost inevitable.

Typical signs of collectivization are the tribal mentality ("us" vs. "them"), mass hysteria, the search for enemies. Under these conditions, people stop thinking logically. Such a tribe (it does not look like a society anymore) is locked in its own beliefs and stops responding to external changes. The main characteristic of collectivization is commonly accepted hatred and aggression toward dissidents. Anyone who does not agree with the opinion of a frightened crowd is declared an enemy. In such cases, people may even resort to physical violence toward non-conformists.