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The ship of Theseus is a paradox also known as Theseus’ paradox. It raises the question of whether an object, which has had all its component parts replaced, remains fundamentally the same.
Second-order simulacra, a term coined by Jean baudrillard, are symbols with no real object to represent. Simply put, a symbol is itself taken for reality and further layer of symbolism is added. This occurs when the symbol is taken to be more important or authoritative of the original entity, authenticity has been replaced by copy (thus reality is replaced by a substitute).
“I thought what I’d do was, I’d pretend I was one of those deaf-mutes”
“You can’t ever find a place that’s nice and peaceful, because there isn’t any. You may think there is, but once you get there, when you’re not looking, somebody’ll sneak up and write ‘******** you’ right under your nose.” –J.D. Salinger
Among the many issues associated with the propagation of second-order simulacra is what baudrillard considers the termination of history. The method of this termination comes through the lack of oppositional elements in society, with the mass having become “the silent majority,” an imploded concept which absorbs images passively, becoming itself a media overwritten by those who speak for it (i.e. the people are symbolically represented by governing agents and market statistic, marginalizing the people themselves).
"If you stay right where you are, then people will eventually come to you."
-Doisneau
“I am the machine that reveals to you that I alone am able to see it”
-Dziga Vertov
A stand alone complex can be compared to the emergent copycat behaviour following such incidents as serial murders or terrorist activity. After hearing about such incidents, certain types of people are inclined to jump on the bandwagon. This is particularly prevalent when the cause appears to be from well known political or religious beliefs.

This can also stem from intense media attention, where an event previously thought to be nothing special (a regular occurrence of some tragedy) is scrutinized to the point where the thought is that it was caused by deliberate action, thus the threat that more acts of the same nature will arise escalates.

My point is, this phenomenon can and has been used to control the population...just look at the bible.

My intent is not to offend here; I’m just making a point.

Let’s assume a large amount of people, energetic and strife ridden, are given cause and purpose for their energy. The result is quite dangerous.
Think of it as mass hysteria with purpose.
When the idea is planted, subliminally or otherwise, certain types of individuals are more likely to act on this ideal than others…Often swearing it was their idea in the first place. This of course has ties to the power of suggestion.

Anyways... what I am wondering is, could a small group of individuals influence the majority of the population in such a way as to maintain order and control?

The answer of course, is a resounding "yes" because we see this daily in the roles of our government.

However, the line between constructive and destructive hysteria is thin enough to manipulate the masses to reject all forms of their former status quo. This has been seen primarily in revolutionaries. They perpetuate their ideals in such a way that their followers think it's their ideal too.

Standing alone/odd man-out/out-of-step and copy-catting /aping /monkey see-monkey do/follow-patterning/etc can be compared/composited AND contrasted/opposited as can be done with all pairs of opposites

What makes either the right choice at the right time to the right degree and etc is Love & Respect for both.

What makes neither work right and applies them as the wrong time and to the wrong degree and etc is Hate & Disrespect for either.

Example:
Those certain types easily manipulated in any sphere of society are those who hate their opposites or enemies. The domestic population or church-membership is easily manipulated by State or by Church when foreign enemies or other churches/religions are first hated. It happens every day in Sports when any opposing team or city is hated.
This also happens in Science.

Those who can not be manipulated are those who love their opposites or enemies.
There are indeed the other percentages, those not part of a stand alone complex, and they outnumber the latter in an incredible way. A little something tied in with the whole concept is the second order simulacra.

This is a symbol with nothing existing for it to represent, thus the symbol becomes the focus, and is duplicated many times over.

Of course, democracy has largely been replaced by "the silent majority" where the presence of opposing theory and practice are mistaken for what the majority thinks it wants or believes in.