Engl 102

August 27, 2019

Reading Response #1

This article explains the challenges in having a true democracy when the brain is ruled by

logic versus emotion. It provides evidence of research done on both the brain and mind

supporting the effects of fear on memory and reason and its impact on traumatizing situations. It

further explains the evolutionary reasons humans feel fear, how vivid imagery can invoke fear,

and how these images are used positively or negatively in politics. It gives examples such as

television portrayal of fearmongering (repetition, misdirection, and making the irregular seem

regular) and the immobility response that can be initiated by fear. It concludes with a summation

of politicians using fear to incite a feeling of insecurity amongst citizens and how this will

“exacerbate the decline of reason and further jeopardize our democracy.”

I agree with much of what Al Gore wrote in this article. After all, fear amongst citizens

and a craving for a sense of control and direction has historically given rise to powerful dictators

and monarchies, and in this way his concluding statement was right. True democracy, with logic

steering the ballot, has slowly given way to voting for people who we think will give us power

and security, based solely on empty promises without researching it ourselves or, more recently,

the oppression of populations that people fear. Senselessly. Gore’s television anecdote was spot

on in that people will mindlessly follow the events on-screen, allowing fear to fuel their vote.

The Trump administration is no stranger to fearmongering, going as far as to openly make racist

comments in the name of “protection.” By making the generalization that Mexicans are rapists

bringing drugs and crime to our great country, he’s made our southern neighbors into domestic

terrorists to many Americans. Conclusively, I agree with Al Gore’s points in his article.