Flash Mobs vs. Flash Robs

Last year, a new phenomenon appeared on the American landscape. Groups began gathering at malls and other places where people congregate to do something unusual, often uplifting. (Click on the title to see an example.) We called them flash mobs and enjoyed watching them on YouTube. This year, we have a new phenomenon that the media insists on calling flash mobs as well. Large groups of urban youth gather either at a retailer of some sort or at some location or event where people are trying to enjoy their leisure time. At a retailer they create a commotion and steal as much as they can before racing out of the establishment, while at other locations, they attack and abuse people of other races. I propose that we continue to call the positive, uplifting groups like the one linked in the title "flash mobs," while referring to the other, negative, racist occurrences "flash robs," since even if they are not gathering for the purpose of stealing, they are still robbing us of our sense of community, safety and well-being. If you would like to know more about "flash robs" check out this link:

---Katie