As parents, one of our jobs is to help children understand the world around them — including how groups of people can sometimes act in surprising or even confusing ways. One way to introduce this idea is through history, especially by talking about public executions and spectacles, events where large crowds gathered long ago to watch punishments or grand shows.
Although these events may seem strange or harsh to us today, they provide a fascinating window into how groups of people behave together — and offer a great opportunity to teach kids about the madness of crowds.
What Were Public Executions and Spectacles?
Public executions were punishments carried out in front of large groups, meant to teach a lesson or warn others about breaking the law. Spectacles, like gladiator games or festivals, were grand public events meant to entertain and bring people together.
For kids, you can explain that these were like very serious shows — some were meant to warn people, and others were just for fun. Both kinds of events drew big crowds because people liked being part of something bigger than themselves.
Why Did Crowds Get So Excited?
This is where the idea of “the madness of crowds” comes in. When people are in a big group, emotions can grow stronger. Imagine going to a sports game or a concert: everyone cheering, shouting, and feeling excited together. Sometimes, people in crowds can act differently than they would alone — they might feel braver, louder, or more energetic.
This “madness of crowds” means that groups can sometimes make people do things they wouldn’t normally do by themselves. Long ago, during public executions or spectacles, this crowd energy could become very intense — people might cheer loudly or feel very emotional because they were caught up in the group’s feelings.
Teaching Kids About This Idea
To help kids understand, parents can compare crowds to things they know: school assemblies, birthday parties, or even watching a favorite sports team with friends. Ask them: Have you ever felt more excited or nervous because others around you were feeling that way too? This helps children connect the historical idea to their own experiences.
It’s also important to explain that while being part of a crowd can be fun, it’s okay to think for yourself and make your own choices. Sometimes, people in crowds can forget to be kind or safe because they get caught up in the moment.
Why This Matters Today
Although we no longer have public executions, understanding the psychology of crowds helps kids learn about peer pressure, teamwork, and making good decisions. It teaches them to notice how groups influence feelings and actions, so they can stay thoughtful and kind — even when everyone else might be acting differently.
By using history and real-life examples, parents can turn a complex idea like the “madness of crowds” into a meaningful conversation, helping kids grow into thoughtful, independent thinkers.