Categories: U.S. and Canada

A nation in fear

Look at the United States. Really. Look at it.

From north to south, east to west; from “sea to shining sea,” you’ll see the frenzy of fear. Fear of Ebola. Fear of ISIS. Fear of “crime.” Fear of — fear.

The reason?

Well, fear sells. It sells papers, attracts viewers and pulls listeners. The national media are a virtual fear industry. There used to be an old adage in TV news: “If it bleeds, it leads.” There is so much fear in this country that it can barely breathe.

And for politicians, that’s fine, for they know that fear is fuel — a power unto itself that can be ridden, like a maddened steed, to power.

Two nurses catch the Ebola virus (and this only because they weren’t properly protected) and schools are closed, quarantine orders are issued, and sheer, unadulterated hysteria, hyped by ratings-hungry media, travels the land like a flood.

Much of American history may be seen as frenzies of fear, which, once unleashed, drove social policies that often did more harm than that which was first feared.

The fears of Salem ignited wars against witches and monstrous tortures of women. The fears of Black slave rebellions led to waves of repression and racist violence.

The fear of the ability of drugs to expand minds led to the so-called “war on drugs,” which fed a prison-industrial complex that swept millions into the biggest prison boom in history, with little, if any, effect on drug usage.

Fear. Frenzy. Fuels for media and politicians. And ­disaster.

Mumia Abu-Jamal (guest author)

Share
Published by
Mumia Abu-Jamal (guest author)

Recent Posts

Why ouster of U.S. occupation forces from West Asia is key to lasting peace and stabilityWhy ouster of U.S. occupation forces from West Asia is key to lasting peace and stability

Why ouster of U.S. occupation forces from West Asia is key to lasting peace and stability

By Alireza Salehi The following commentary first appeared on the Iranian-based Press TV at tinyurl.com/53hdhskk.…

July 25, 2025
From Palestine to Turtle Island: Smash the capitalists’ settler states! Part 2From Palestine to Turtle Island: Smash the capitalists’ settler states! Part 2

From Palestine to Turtle Island: Smash the capitalists’ settler states! Part 2

This is Part Two of a series based on a talk given at a national…

July 25, 2025
Educators for Palestine claims victory against racism and hate, despite NEA board decisionEducators for Palestine claims victory against racism and hate, despite NEA board decision

Educators for Palestine claims victory against racism and hate, despite NEA board decision

Educators for Palestine released the following news release on July 19, 2025.  Washington, D.C. Educators…

July 24, 2025
Palestinian, Lebanese resistance hails order to release Georges AbdallahPalestinian, Lebanese resistance hails order to release Georges Abdallah

Palestinian, Lebanese resistance hails order to release Georges Abdallah

On July 17, a court in France ordered the release of Georges Abdallah, a Lebanese…

July 24, 2025
Yemeni leader denounces Israeli aggression on SyriaYemeni leader denounces Israeli aggression on Syria

Yemeni leader denounces Israeli aggression on Syria

The following are highlights from a speech given by Yemen’s Ansarallah Commander Sayyed Abdul-Malik Badr…

July 24, 2025
Panamá: President Mulino intensifies government assault on unionsPanamá: President Mulino intensifies government assault on unions

Panamá: President Mulino intensifies government assault on unions

Panamá Beluche is a sociologist, professor and anti-imperialist organizer in Panamá, writing here about the…

July 24, 2025