Commentary
A culture of fear emerges when every situation is treated as an emergency, and potential dangers seem to lurk around every corner. Watching a typical news broadcast today means exposing oneself to stories of violence, chaos, and a multitude of unseen threats, both viral and climatic. This trend is detrimental to our collective mental well-being and has the potential to breed a generation of individuals who are afraid to venture beyond the safety of their homes if it persists.
Fortunately, there is a silver lining: upon closer examination of these narratives, one can see that the actual risks to individuals are minimal. We currently reside in one of the safest places on the planet, during what is considered the safest era in human history. The likelihood of a catastrophic asteroid collision or a random street assault is incredibly slim. Yet, certain media outlets, activists, and politicians perpetuate the fear narrative, keeping the fear machine in motion.
Fear can be a powerful motivator. It can be challenging to raise funds for environmental causes by simply stating, “There may be a slight increase in the earth’s temperature due to emissions over the next 50 years.” However, when an activist describes an impending “heat dome” or “atmospheric river” that could potentially endanger lives, donors are more inclined to contribute. Fear becomes a tool for unscrupulous individuals to manipulate public opinion in support of their agendas.
Politicians often capitalize on fear during their campaigns. Promising protection from a foreign invasion or emphasizing a stance on law and order can sway votes in their favor. By highlighting every violent crime or framing every weather event as extreme, politicians exploit fear to gain political advantage. Minor protests are portrayed as major threats, and fringe groups from all ends of the political spectrum are depicted as potential risks to society. The real risks are minimal, but the political rewards of exaggerating them are significant.
The media has always been inclined to report on negative events. The adage “if it bleeds, it leads” has guided journalistic practices for decades. Readers and viewers are naturally drawn to sensational and alarming stories. In today’s fast-paced media landscape, where clicks and views drive revenue, reporters are subconsciously encouraged to seek out fear-inducing stories to capture public attention.
Related Stories
Weather forecasts used to be straightforward and uneventful. Meteorologists were once known for their colorful personalities, which added entertainment value to their segments. However, fear has now become a prevalent tool in weather reporting. Weather maps are often shaded in ominous red hues, suggesting dangerous heatwaves even during routine weather updates. Terms like “weather events” are used to describe periods of rain, cold, or heat, adding a sense of urgency to mundane weather conditions.
Recently, a brief spell of slightly above-average temperatures in Ontario prompted a week of alarmist reporting. Stories circulated about risks to seniors, potential fires, and even socio-economic disparities, with one outlet claiming that renters were at higher risk of “heat-related death” compared to homeowners. Despite the hype, the heatwave passed without significant consequences.
The City of Calgary declared a state of emergency due to a broken water line, while Niagara did the same over an eclipse, setting a low threshold for such declarations.
The COVID-19 pandemic was a pinnacle of fear-inducing events. The world was plunged into a state of emergency, accompanied by unprecedented levels of fear and negativity in reporting. In hindsight, we can see that while the virus was indeed harmful, the number of individuals permanently affected was minimal. The fear surrounding the pandemic caused more societal harm than the virus itself.
As summer approaches, there is no need to succumb to fear. Instead, let us focus on the positives and resist allowing unfounded fears to dictate our lives. Rather than fixating on worst-case scenarios, let us embrace the fact that the vast majority of people remain unharmed by perceived threats. Enjoy life, seek out uplifting stories, and encourage a sense of optimism in those around you. While fear may have its place, we must not let it overshadow our lives. By making a conscious effort, we can avoid succumbing to the culture of fear that surrounds us.
The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Please rephrase
Source link
