In November I said we malign fear because it shows low status: Political pundits like to accuse opponents of a “politics of fear”, or of hate. … Why do we embrace and accept our own fears and hates, even as we suggest that others’ fears and hates are bad signs about them? One obvious explanation: relative to low status folks, high status folks have less occassion to fear or hate. … Complaining that your opponents have a “politics of fear” or hate is really just complaining about their low status. (
Don't allow yourselves to be made afraid by Evan's attempt to demonize fear. His fear-of-fear is really as bad as the simple fear he seeks to criticize.
Don't fear the meta-fear!
PSA free meta-lollipop will be given to the first to criticize fear-of-fear-of-fear.
i think fear is one of the most powerful motivating emotions that humans have. especially when used by tapping into a parents fears for the safety of their children. because of this, it is a terribly effective way to spread propaganda. by inducing fear into the populace it is very easy to get people to give up individual freedoms or grant more power to a 'protective' government.
i dont think it is wrong, then, for others to point out how some people are using 'politics of fear' to move forward their agenda. by using this tactic, the fearmongerers are able to influence society absent a rational cause. calling them out is really the only recourse for anyone trying to have a reasoned discussion on whatever topic is at hand
Hopefully this explains the "politics of fear" critique:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wik...
Oops-
I meant to say Fear the meta-fear!
Folks,
Don't allow yourselves to be made afraid by Evan's attempt to demonize fear. His fear-of-fear is really as bad as the simple fear he seeks to criticize.
Don't fear the meta-fear!
PSA free meta-lollipop will be given to the first to criticize fear-of-fear-of-fear.
i think fear is one of the most powerful motivating emotions that humans have. especially when used by tapping into a parents fears for the safety of their children. because of this, it is a terribly effective way to spread propaganda. by inducing fear into the populace it is very easy to get people to give up individual freedoms or grant more power to a 'protective' government.
i dont think it is wrong, then, for others to point out how some people are using 'politics of fear' to move forward their agenda. by using this tactic, the fearmongerers are able to influence society absent a rational cause. calling them out is really the only recourse for anyone trying to have a reasoned discussion on whatever topic is at hand
Reminds me of military commanders steeling their men not to flee during battle.
Sounds like our cultural organs want to reinforce the importance of sticking together and following orders/collective-good while in danger.