Fear — A tool for manipulating people
Fear has been used as a tool of manipulation by both politicians and religious leaders throughout history. By creating a sense of fear or anxiety among the public, they can control and manipulate people, often leading to negative consequences for society as a whole.
One recent example of fear being used in politics is the Brexit campaign in the United Kingdom. Politicians used fear to promote their agenda, suggesting that the UK needed to take control of its borders to prevent “uncontrolled” immigration. This led to a divisive referendum that ultimately resulted in the UK’s departure from the European Union.
However, since the Brexit vote, the UK has faced significant economic challenges. According to a report by the Centre for Economic Performance at the London School of Economics, Brexit has already cost the UK economy approximately £130 billion ($178 billion USD) in lost growth, with further losses predicted in the coming years. The UK’s departure from the EU has also led to a significant decline in foreign investment and a rise in inflation, which has disproportionately affected low-income families. This is a classic case of using fear to manipulate people to act against their self interest.
Religious institutions also use fear to control their followers. One recent example in the United States is the promotion of the idea of a “war on Christianity” by some conservative Christian leaders. They suggest that the United States is becoming increasingly hostile to Christianity, and that Christians are at risk of losing their rights and freedoms. This fear-mongering has led to increased support for politicians who claim to be defenders of Christianity, even when their policies contradict the teachings of the religion.
For instance, in 2015, the state of Indiana passed a Religious Freedom Restoration Act that allowed individuals and businesses to refuse services to LGBT people on the basis of religious beliefs. Proponents of the law, including Governor Mike Pence, claimed that it was necessary to protect religious freedom. However, opponents argued that the law was discriminatory and would lead to further discrimination against LGBT individuals. The law sparked significant backlash from businesses, organizations, and individuals, and was ultimately amended to include language that prohibited discrimination against LGBT people.
Not only can fear be used to control and manipulate people, but it can also be used to enrich those who promote it. Politicians and religious leaders use fear to rally their base and gain power, but they can also use it to make themselves rich. One example of this is televangelists in the United States, who often use fear to encourage their followers to donate large sums of money in exchange for promises of salvation or protection from harm. One prominent example is televangelist Kenneth Copeland, who has amassed a fortune estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars through his ministry. Copeland has been criticized for promoting fear-based messages that encourage his followers to donate large sums of money to his ministry, often in exchange for promises of prosperity or protection from evil forces. This type of fear-based manipulation is not only morally questionable, but it can also have negative financial consequences for those who fall victim to it.
Similar fear-mongering has also been used to push for laws that limit reproductive rights and access to healthcare. For example, some conservative Christian leaders have promoted the idea that abortion is a sin and a threat to traditional values, and have advocated for policies that restrict access to abortion and birth control. This has led to a rise in laws that limit reproductive rights, particularly in conservative states.
It is important to recognize that the use of fear can lead to discrimination, violence, and a lack of social justice and equity. Groups of people can be marginalized and made to feel like they are a threat to society, simply because of their beliefs, race, or sexual orientation. However, it is important to note that not all uses of fear are inherently bad. Fear can be used to raise awareness about real threats, such as climate change or public health crises, and motivate action to address them.
In general, if you see a political or religious leader using fear, you can be certain that they are manipulating you and others. It is important to be critical of messages that rely on fear, and to seek out accurate and unbiased information before making decisions. Fear is a powerful emotion in the primitive part of our brains and it takes mental focus and discipline to prevent people from using it to manipulate our actions and beliefs.
Written for my dear Elena and Sina — Always follow love and not fear.
