Sheeple
Encyclopedia
Sheeple is a term of disparagement, in which people
are likened to the herd animals sheep. The term is often used to denote persons who voluntarily acquiesce to a perceived authority figure's suggestion without critical analysis or sufficient research to understand the ramifications of that decision. By doing so, Sheeple undermine their own individuality and may willingly give up their rights. The implication of the term is that people fallaciously appeal to authority and believe or do what they are told by perceived authority figures who they view as trustworthy. The term is generally used in a political, social, and sometimes spiritual sense.
, possibly referring to British John Brunner
's novel The Sheep Look Up
, and designates people who tend to accept and take statements at face value, especially if it is cited in mainstream media. There is documented print usage of this word as early as 1950, in the form, "We, the Sheeple", in the Emory University
Quarterly, v.6-7 1950-1951, page 64. "The Wall Street Journal
first reported the label in print in 1984; the reporter heard the word used by the proprietor of an American Opinion bookstore affiliated with the John Birch Society
. In this usage, taxpayers were derided for their blind conformity as opposed to those who thought independently. Shortwave radio host Milton William Cooper
used the term commonly during his Hour of the Time
radio show during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Ann Tintera used the word in an essay on Political and Religious implications which was published in the Denver Post February 27,1978.
The term is also used more broadly to describe any person whom the speaker feels is exceedingly conformist
.
writes, "Americans sheepishly accepted all sorts of Transportation Security Administration nonsense. In the name of security, we've allowed fingernail clippers, eyeglass screwdrivers and toy soldiers to be taken from us prior to boarding a plane." This usage emphasizes that Americans sheepishly accept all sorts of imposed official nonsense. It describes those who blindly submit to the judgment of public servants or political parties as leading authorities, thereby empowering the civil government through their acquiescence
.
People
People is a plurality of human beings or other beings possessing enough qualities constituting personhood. It has two usages:* as the plural of person or a group of people People is a plurality of human beings or other beings possessing enough qualities constituting personhood. It has two usages:*...
are likened to the herd animals sheep. The term is often used to denote persons who voluntarily acquiesce to a perceived authority figure's suggestion without critical analysis or sufficient research to understand the ramifications of that decision. By doing so, Sheeple undermine their own individuality and may willingly give up their rights. The implication of the term is that people fallaciously appeal to authority and believe or do what they are told by perceived authority figures who they view as trustworthy. The term is generally used in a political, social, and sometimes spiritual sense.
Usage
The label originated in the United StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, possibly referring to British John Brunner
John Brunner (novelist)
John Kilian Houston Brunner was a prolific British author of science fiction novels and stories. His 1968 novel Stand on Zanzibar, about an overpopulated world, won the 1968 Hugo Award for best science fiction novel. It also won the BSFA award the same year...
's novel The Sheep Look Up
The Sheep Look Up
The Sheep Look Up is a science fiction novel by British author John Brunner, first published in 1972. The novel's setting is decidedly dystopian; the book deals with the deterioration of the environment in the United States...
, and designates people who tend to accept and take statements at face value, especially if it is cited in mainstream media. There is documented print usage of this word as early as 1950, in the form, "We, the Sheeple", in the Emory University
Emory University
Emory University is a private research university in metropolitan Atlanta, located in the Druid Hills section of unincorporated DeKalb County, Georgia, United States. The university was founded as Emory College in 1836 in Oxford, Georgia by a small group of Methodists and was named in honor of...
Quarterly, v.6-7 1950-1951, page 64. "The Wall Street Journal
The Wall Street Journal
The Wall Street Journal is an American English-language international daily newspaper. It is published in New York City by Dow Jones & Company, a division of News Corporation, along with the Asian and European editions of the Journal....
first reported the label in print in 1984; the reporter heard the word used by the proprietor of an American Opinion bookstore affiliated with the John Birch Society
John Birch Society
The John Birch Society is an American political advocacy group that supports anti-communism, limited government, a Constitutional Republic and personal freedom. It has been described as radical right-wing....
. In this usage, taxpayers were derided for their blind conformity as opposed to those who thought independently. Shortwave radio host Milton William Cooper
Milton William Cooper
Milton William Cooper was an American writer, shortwave broadcaster, conspiracy theorist, and political activist.-Biography:...
used the term commonly during his Hour of the Time
Hour of the Time
Hour of the Time is a shortwave radio program created by American author and former Naval Intelligence Officer Milton William Cooper. The show, which first aired in May 1992, began airing regularly in January 1993 on WWCR, and was hosted by Cooper up until the time of his death, when he was shot by...
radio show during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Ann Tintera used the word in an essay on Political and Religious implications which was published in the Denver Post February 27,1978.
The term is also used more broadly to describe any person whom the speaker feels is exceedingly conformist
Conformity
Conformity is the process by which an individual's attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors are influenced by other people.Conformity may also refer to:*Conformity: A Tale, a novel by Charlotte Elizabeth Tonna...
.
Governance
The term is also used for those who are deemed inordinately tolerant, or welcoming, of government intrusion and regulation. In a column entitled "A Nation of Sheeple," columnist Walter E. WilliamsWalter E. Williams
Walter E. Williams, is an American economist, commentator, and academic. He is the John M. Olin Distinguished Professor of Economics at George Mason University, as well as a syndicated columnist and author known for his libertarian views.- Early life and education :Williams family during childhood...
writes, "Americans sheepishly accepted all sorts of Transportation Security Administration nonsense. In the name of security, we've allowed fingernail clippers, eyeglass screwdrivers and toy soldiers to be taken from us prior to boarding a plane." This usage emphasizes that Americans sheepishly accept all sorts of imposed official nonsense. It describes those who blindly submit to the judgment of public servants or political parties as leading authorities, thereby empowering the civil government through their acquiescence
Acquiescence
Acquiescence is a legal term used to describe an act where a person knowingly stands by without raising any objection to the infringement of their rights, while someone else unknowingly and without malice aforethought makes a claim on their rights...
.
In popular culture
- Former Canadian MP Garth TurnerGarth TurnerJohn Garth Turner, PC is a Canadian business journalist, best-selling author, entrepreneur, broadcaster, financial advisor and politician, twice elected as a Member of the House of Commons, former Minister of National Revenue and leadership candidate for the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada...
authored a book titled Sheeple, which is about his second time in the Canadian House of CommonsCanadian House of CommonsThe House of Commons of Canada is a component of the Parliament of Canada, along with the Sovereign and the Senate. The House of Commons is a democratically elected body, consisting of 308 members known as Members of Parliament...
.
- Canadian born abstract and Neo-popNeo-popNeo-pop is a postmodern art movement of the 1980s. The term refers to artists influenced by pop art, such as Jeff Koons and Sam Havadtoy in the USA. In the 2000s the work of Takashi Murakami in Japan and in 2009 the Arts project Nicolas Lepaulmier in French has also been described as neo-pop...
artist James VerbickyJames VerbickyJames Verbicky is a abstract mixed media artist currently living in the Southern California.-Early life:James Verbicky was born in Edmonton, Alberta, of Polish descent, and later lived in Calgary, Alberta, Victoria, and Vancouver, British Columbia.Verbicky showed inherent talent as early as the...
created a series of conceptual works in 2008 entitled "Sheeple". in 2010, the "Sheeple" flagship piece "Freedom Fries" was exhibited at the Laguna Art MuseumLaguna Art MuseumThe Laguna Art Museum is a museum located in Laguna Beach, California on Pacific Coast Highway.An exhibition titled ...
in Laguna Beach, CA.