“They”: The Ultimate Informational Authority
Have you ever noticed how often people in general call upon the assistance of a mysterious authority for their information, and usually hold the credibility of this source higher than that of even the real source of the information? I’m talking about peoples’ reference to the group known as “they” - readily referenced as the source of seemingly all information on every topic. People also seem to use “them” as the voice of authority in an argument or debate, as if to say that if someone has once said it, then it must be true. It’s funny too that it’s always “they said…” rather than “he said…” because the use of a singular pronoun provides too much specificity on which you may be called to give an account. The plural “they” leaves a healthy amount of ambiguity involved, from which you could deflect responsibility if you’re called out to name your source. Also a plural pronoun provides strength in numbers. Whether or not the source actually exists doesn’t matter because it gives off the appearance of multiple people saying or believing the same thing. And if multiple people said it, then it must be true. I’ll keep explaining what I’m talking about…
For example, you’re working the customer service desk at Wal-Mart and a customer comes up to you with a problem you can’t solve; their response may sound something like: “Well, they told me all I’d have to do is…”
Who the heck is this group of “they” and why does everyone believe them? While working at a bank I’d have customers come in regularly wanting to cash checks that I couldn’t cash for various reasons. Almost without fail I’d get the same response, “I called and they told me I could cash this here.” Apparently this group has organized some sort of hotline for information, but I still have not come across the number. Whatever medium they use, “they” are very good at disseminating lots of information to lots of people in a short amount of time.
What amazes me most about this group of “they” (whoever they are), is their ability to convince people of their absolute authority on any matter. I’ve been asked questions before like “Do you have tickets to…”, to which I honestly answer that I don’t. Their response, as they get upset: “Well they told me that you’d have them!” Why are we so inclined to believe “them” when, if I were to have tickets, then I would be ultimate source of the answer as to whether or not I had tickets. Why do we believe “them” over the source? Why would I lie to you? Believe me, I don’t have the tickets, I can’t cash your check, and I don’t have the answer. If I did, I would tell you.
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September 27th, 2006 at 2:28 pm
Haha. So true.
September 27th, 2006 at 6:39 pm
[…] Brad at Consumption Rules on “they”, the ultimate authority. Have you ever noticed how often people in general call upon the assistance of a mysterious authority for their information, and usually hold the credibility of this source higher than that of even the real source of the information? I’m talking about peoples’ reference to the group known as “they” - readily referenced as the source of seemingly all information on every topic. […]
October 4th, 2006 at 3:12 pm
No joke. That drives me nuts. I’ve noticed that illogical and overly emotional people are much more inclined to back up their folkwisdom with “they” than are people of sound mind … like us.