100th Monkey Effect

The "100th Monkey Effect" is a hypothetical phenomenon in which a new behavior or idea is spread rapidly by unexplained means from one group to all related groups once a critical number of members of one group exhibit the new behavior or acknowledge the idea. The hundredth monkey effect was popularized in the mid to late 1970's by Lyell Watson who documented the findings of several Japanese primatologists from the the 1950's. Between 1952 and 1953 primatologists conducted a behavioral study of a troop of Macaca Fuscata (Japanese Monkeys) on the island of Kojima. The researches would supply these troops with such foods as sweet potatoes and wheat in open areas often on beaches. An unanticipated by product of the study was that the scientists witnessed several innovative evolutionary changes by the troop two of which were orchestrated by one young female and others by her siblings or contemporaries. The account of only one of these behavioral changes spread into a phenomenon (i.e the hundredth monkey effect). According to Watson the scientists observed that some of the monkeys learned to wash sweet potatoes initially through an 18 month old female member of the troop in 1953. The monkey discovered that sand and grit could be removed from the potatoes by washing them in the stream or ocean. Gradually this new potato washing habit spread through the troop in the usual fashion through observation and repetition. Unlike most food customs this behavior was learned by the older generation of monkeys from the younger ones. The behavior spread up until 1958 when a sort of group consciousness had suddenly developed among the monkeys. As a result one last monkey learning potato washing by conventional means (rather than the one monkey at a time method prior) Watson concluded that the researchers observed that once a critical number of monkeys was reached (i.e the 100th monkey) this previously learned behavior instantly spread across the other water to monkeys on nearby islands then on nearby continents. It is our belief that this 100th Monkey Effect has occurred with this "global enlightenment" currently occurring around the globe. 100,000 monkeys have been reached among mankind. This global awareness is spreading rapidly. Now this effect is occurring within the Parental Rights Movement. This "National Union" has reached our 100th Monkey. The awareness of the need and desire for this union is growing. Once we are a national force to be contended with we will consciously or unconsciously extend our reach and knowledge throughout this nation.