You are familiar with the flash-mob phenomenon, right? Being experienced internet surfers I would suspect so. Usually organised through social media or other viral communication, the traditional flash-mob encompasses everything from silent disco to pillow fights to a variety of other unusual or pointless acts. Often ending as abruptly as they begin, they usually leave the oblivious general public bemused and bewildered.
A recent event in Grand Central Station had a distinct Harry Potter flavour as a stooge commuter was suddenly brought to his knees by Voldermort and his followers.
Lasting for a number of minutes on Halloween, the flash-mob actually drew concern from its muggle bystanders, one of which audibly heckles, “Why are you ganging up on him?” Brilliant.
With the final instalment not due for release until July next year (is it just me or does a summer release still feel wrong), the topical Pottermania – which has included Manhattan’s fourth annual Quiddich World Cup – shows no signs of dissipating any time soon. With a routine with such potential to convince, however, Harry Potter has clearly reached a new level of cultish conviction.
