Crowd movements can be deadly; they include events tied to sports, celebrations, and religion.
However, there is one type of crowd movement that is intriguing because it is not deadly; in fact, it organizes itself naturally: protests. Why do protesters, often highly charged, manage to organize so efficiently? Observation: identity is a factor that helps organize a crowd. Indeed, in large crowd movements, it is not uncommon to see one person helping another simply because they recognize the logo or colors of a favorite team. We identify with one another, which fosters empathy and activates our instincts to help, even in extreme situations. In protests, we share a common identity, one centered around a belief or ideology.
But then, why are religious crowd movements—where participants share a strong identity—so often deadly? This is where competition enters the equation. Let's talk about Mecca, where the most deadly religious crowd movements occur. Mecca is divided into two areas: one area under the columns outside and another area closer to the sanctuary in the center. When people are in the columned area, their view can be blocked by the pillars, so they strive to get the best position, creating a competitive environment. In the central area, participants seek to get as close as possible to the sanctuary itself, which also creates competition. Because everyone wants to be close to God, you see. This competitive atmosphere leads to fatalities.
If you have a competitive atmosphere and a disparity in identity within a confined crowd, fatalities among the most vulnerable are likely to follow.