The Stand Alone Complex

As a big fan of Ghost in the Shell, I have been long fascinated by the concept of the Stand Alone Complex. In this, an event occurs. More often than not, it is a simple event, though some underlying conspiracy might be possible, even if it is highly improbable. Individuals see this, and act, consciously or sub-consciously as copy-cats. The best example of this in the Ghost in the Shell series is the Laughing Man incident, in which a group of people go out and commit crimes inspired b the Laughing Man, despite the lack of any actual Laughing Man. Another good example is Section 9, the main characters of Ghost in the Shell. In the anime, the entire group comes together out of the thin air seemingly for the same purpose, to stop terrorist actions and major crimes from within the nation of Japan.

Now, we are seeing a true Stand Alone Complex developing in the modern world. Anyone who knows me knows that Scientology makes me uneasy. This is because I have read the words of the likes of L. Ron Hubbard and various defectors. Now, I know that often times Defectors bring tales of horror to try and bring down their church, the best example being the "Former Arch-Lector" of Rome, a former catholic Priest who was active in Kansas City during the Gilded Age as a member of the American Protective Association.

However, Scientology is a very dangerous, greedy organization in which ascendancy is based not on merit, but rather on how much money one has paid into the church. This is well documented from dumpster divings by members of the Blogosphere.

Now, a Stand Alone Complex has formed to try and combat the church. Calling themselves Anonymous, they show up wearing identical suits and masks and hats, a means of protecting their identity, and not to become a mysterious "Suicide" that has plagued the critics of Scientology. Now, there might be an actual leader, but more than likely, it is a Stand Alone Complex.

Don't look for me in the ranks at the next rally of Anonymous. For if I am there, I too shall be wearing my mask. I wear one online, and I will wear one in Real Life. That mask is my Shield, that mask is my Sword.