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Welcome to the blog of Connor Boyack, a 20-something web designer, political economist, and budding philanthropist.
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People Who Drive Silver or Blue Cars Should NOT Read This

Posted by Connor on July 1st, 2006

I came across this article on digg.com that talked about something called “granfalloon tactics”. From the article:

A “granfalloon” — a term coined by author Kurt Vonnegut in his novel Cat’s Cradle — is a group of two or more people who feel a bond because they share some circumstance that, beneath it all, has little to no real significance. Vonnegut’s shorter definition is “a proud and meaningless association of human beings.”

The author of the article lists several examples of granfalloons, and then proceeds to mention how marketers (as well as Hitler and slavery mongers) have used granfalloon tactics to compartmentalize people.

It got me thinking, recalling times when I’ve seen this play out. One day I was riding a motorcycle in Sunny San Diego. During my outing, I passed about four other bikers, all of whom nodded or waved to me as I passed by. Here I am, some novice biker and scrawny white kid (contrasting their bearded, leather-clad appearances) who they acknowledge simply because I was a “fellow motorcyclist”.

Another example: the iPod. Although the fad has beaten to a lifeless pulp, back in the day when only the uber-cool Apple fans had them, you could identify with other people in your “granfalloon” by their white earbuds. In the library, on the bus, at the gym, you could relate to complete strangers simply because they were also cool enough to own an iPod.

A third and final example: members of the Church. We are often inclusionary (or exclusionary, as the case may be) based on this granfalloonistic identity we proudly wear as a badge. If you and your family pack up and move to Belgium, have no fear: your LDS granfalloon will make you feel right at home amongst complete strangers.

In the gospel sense, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing (unless you use it to isolate others). Having the common foundation of the gospel in our lives brings unity, and ultimately, Zion.

Moral to the story? I don’t know. Just something interesting to observe.. And hey, you’ve added a new word to your vocabulary.

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2 comments so far. Care to chime in?

Interestingly, the first time I rode my motorcycle I was also on my way to San Diego (from Los Angeles via PCH) and the same bearded, leathered old men waved to me. When my buddy’s bike sputtered and we pulled over, two bikers pulled over to check on us. We were glad to be in this “brotherhood” even though we’d never asked for it. The arbitrary characteristic of owning a motorcycle gave them reason to be our friends, and I was glad for it. Arbitrary characteristics can be used to include or exclude.

Do you still have a motorcycle?

#1 Richard K Miller | July 5th, 2006 7:08 PM

No, the motorcycle I was driving wasn’t mine.. it was (awkward glance side to side to make sure nobody’s listening) my mother’s. Both my parents own bikes, but my dad’s is a bit too big for my taste, so I usually ride my mom’s whenever I’m home in San Diego. Shhh, don’t tell the bearded bikers…

#2 Connor | July 5th, 2006 7:31 PM

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