when the herd is the police, being rejected by the herd amounts to more than just hurt feelings. in fascist regimes it’s just as much the role of the herd to pressure you into conformity as it is that of the state. the mental-health system is the epitome of this type of fascism. distancing yourself from the herd becomes something that’s persecutable by the herd as well as the system. if the views you express are not those of the collective, the herd can become ‘concerned’ about you. when the herd becomes ‘concerned’, that’s when they are willing to overlook your rights, such as your right not to belong to the herd.