How does the government manipulate our fears?
The Atlantic reports that today, more people are afraid of being victims of terrorism, crime, and mass hysteria. Many wouldn't blame them either. Ever since 9/11, America hasn't been the same. The event proved that we are vulnerable.
But how does the government utilize this? They create political capital.
When an event occurs that strikes fear into the hearts of Americans, like a shooting, or a drug bust from the border, politicians use this as fuel for the support of the American people to support items on their agenda. But how can they do that, even though people are set in their beliefs? Fear.
Take for example this hypothetical situation. A powerful drug dealer from Mexico is found and detained trying to sneak a new, dangerous drug into the United States. There's one issue, though. He has more associates who are also attempting to spread the drug, as well.
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has always been in favor of enhanced border patrol, going as far as verbalizing the creation of a wall between the U.S. and Mexico, an outrageous idea to many. Prior to this incident, many were against the wall, but with the right speech, addressed to the public, that can change in the blink of an eye.
Donald Trump goes on air from the White House explaining the National Security threat. He urges many that action is needed against the "terrorists", the rhetoric he chooses, and explains that this is a real fear for Americans to have, as he himself is afraid as well.
After the message, approval for enhanced border patrol rises, and people begin urging their Congressmen and women to bring bills to committee that can help crack down on the Mexican drug ring... all due to fear.
In this situation, the President controlled our perception of the event using his rhetoric and tone. He sounded urgent, and even called the Mexican drug lords "terrorists". Why?
Because that's how you manipulate fear. You control perception, create terror, and see an outcome.
But how does the government utilize this? They create political capital.
When an event occurs that strikes fear into the hearts of Americans, like a shooting, or a drug bust from the border, politicians use this as fuel for the support of the American people to support items on their agenda. But how can they do that, even though people are set in their beliefs? Fear.
Take for example this hypothetical situation. A powerful drug dealer from Mexico is found and detained trying to sneak a new, dangerous drug into the United States. There's one issue, though. He has more associates who are also attempting to spread the drug, as well.
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has always been in favor of enhanced border patrol, going as far as verbalizing the creation of a wall between the U.S. and Mexico, an outrageous idea to many. Prior to this incident, many were against the wall, but with the right speech, addressed to the public, that can change in the blink of an eye.
Donald Trump goes on air from the White House explaining the National Security threat. He urges many that action is needed against the "terrorists", the rhetoric he chooses, and explains that this is a real fear for Americans to have, as he himself is afraid as well.
After the message, approval for enhanced border patrol rises, and people begin urging their Congressmen and women to bring bills to committee that can help crack down on the Mexican drug ring... all due to fear.
In this situation, the President controlled our perception of the event using his rhetoric and tone. He sounded urgent, and even called the Mexican drug lords "terrorists". Why?
Because that's how you manipulate fear. You control perception, create terror, and see an outcome.
"Every decision on trade, on taxes, on immigration, on foreign affairs, will be made to benefit American workers and American families. We must protect our borders from the ravages of other countries making our products, stealing our companies, and destroying our jobs. Protection will lead to great prosperity and strength." |
In a single quote, we can understand from Trump's rhetoric and tone, of the "terrors that are occurring right now", and the "optimistic measures to come".
He controls our perception of foreign exporters to the United States, and adds a patriotic message of the optimistic future to come... if we coincide with and support his policies.
He controls our perception of foreign exporters to the United States, and adds a patriotic message of the optimistic future to come... if we coincide with and support his policies.