Why You Shouldn't Jump on Every Bandwagon

There are some people who jump on every bandwagon that passes by. That is a big mistake for several reasons. First, let's determine what a bandwagon is and what the expression, "jump on the bandwagon" or "hop on the bandwagon" means.

The expression simply means doing what others are doing whether you agree with them or not. Your own beliefs might be quite different from the other riders, but you might jump on a particular bandwagon just to be in that crowd.

Meaning of "Jump on the Bandwagon"

The mode of transportation is "bandwagon" and not a bus, train, car, truck, or airplane because the original expression does have everything to do with a wagon with a band on board playing loud music throughout the streets.

A bandwagon was a literal wagon that transported a band in a parade, circus or other f0rm of entertainment. The bandwagon got people's attention by the way it looked and by the loud music that was played. As the wagon moved along the streets, it was going slow enough for people to physically jump or hop on if they wanted to do so. There was no cost for the ride. It was a means of getting people to come together concerning a specific cause.

Origin of "Jump on the Bandwagon"

The expression "jump on the bandwagon" first appeared in 1848. Dan Rice was a popular circus clown at the time when he was also campaigning for a political position. Therefore, he used the wagon and music that he also used in the circus to get attention for his campaign appearances. Because Rice's political campaign was successful, other politicians began using bandwagons in their campaigns so they could be successful as well.

Rice became so popular he ran for President of the United States in 1868. However, he never became the commander-in-chief. After the Civil War, Rice began losing his appeal because of the changes in his circus appearances, but his bandwagon concept still continues today in ticker tape parades and other celebrations.

Three Reasons Not to "Jump on Some Bandwagons"

While there are positive reasons for jumping on a bandwagon, there are at least three main reasons people should not jump on some bandwagons. First, there is a negative connotation about "jumping on the bandwagon" if people associate themselves with a cause even though they do not believe what other riders believe. Jumping on a bandwagon just to go along with the crowd is not a good reason to do so. That phenomenon is known as "The Bandwagon Effect." It refers to people doing or saying things just because other people are doing or saying them. Fads and trends are spread that way.

A second reason for not jumping on a bandwagon is because you might be neglecting your own cause to enhance someone else's mission. For instance, people might be waiting for your bandwagon to come along, but you are nowhere to be found. That's because you are a passenger on a wagon that is not yours. You believe the people on another bandwagon are more popular than those on your own bandwagon. Therefore, your own bandwagon is parked and remains silent.

A third reason not to jump on just any bandwagon is because you might become associated with a cause that you would not be proud of if you knew what it was. The passengers on the bandwagon might believe in something that you strongly oppose. Some people just hop on any bandwagon without checking to find out what the goals and objectives are. In other words, you might be contributing to a wrong cause by your presence. You might regret it later.

Advice for "Jumping on Bandwagons"

Make sure you are jumping on a bandwagon for the right reasons. If you do not believe in something, leave that seat for someone who does. If you are passionate about something, feel free to jump on the bandwagon with others who share your beliefs.

If you have your own bandwagon, don't leave it empty. There might be others out there who share your viewpoints. You will never know unless you put it on the street with music playing. That's what bandwagons are for.

If you like what you read here, feel free to leave a tip below. In other words, "jump on my bandwagon."