In the wake of Erykah Badu’s controversial video “Window Seat”, shot guerilla style where Badu strips naked in Dallas, Texas’ Dealey Plaza, the popular tourist attraction since John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, she has talked about a theory known as Groupthink , the very reason she chose to shoot the video, sparking many debates in the process.
Groupthink, a theory developed by psychologist Irving Janis studies human social behavior in which maintaining group cohesiveness and solidarity is felt as more important than considering the facts in a realistic manner . Group members try to minimize conflict and reach consensus without critically testing, analyzing, and evaluating ideas. Individual creativity, uniqueness, and independent thinking are lost in the pursuit of group cohesiveness, as are the advantages of reasonable balance in choice and thought that might normally be obtained by making decisions as a group.[1]. It is the belief that most people would rather seek social conformity and acceptance to belong to a group, despite nonsensical attitudes and actions; a belief that Ms. Badu strongly goes against.
In fact, since her 1997 debut with Baduizm, she’s made it no secret that she epitomizes individuality, creativity, uniqueness and dare others to think outside the box.
Critics, however, accuses the singer/songwriter of shooting the video as a publicity stunt to warrant attention for her latest album New Ameryka:Part II (Return of the Ankh) released March 3oth.
Ms. Badu, now charged with disorderly conduct and a $500 fine, remains content with her decision to shoot the video and her campaign against Groupthink.
