Full Description
National panics about crime, immigrants, police, and societal degradation have been pervasive in the United States of the 21st century. Many of these fears begin as mere phantom fears, but are systematically amplified by social media, news media, bad actors and even well-intentioned activists. There are numerous challenges facing the U.S., but Americans must sort through which fears are legitimate threats and which are amplified exaggerations.
This book examines the role of fear in national panics and addresses why many Americans believe the country is in horrible shape and will continue to deteriorate (despite contradictory evidence). Political polarization, racism, sexism, economic inequality, and other social issues are examined. Combining media literacy, folklore, investigative journalism, psychology, neuroscience, and critical thinking approaches, this book reveals the powerful role that fear plays in clouding perceptions about the U.S. It not only records the repercussions of this toxic phenomenon, but also offers evidence-based solutions.
Contents
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments deletevi
Introduction
Chapter
News Versus Noise
Chapter
Half Empty
Chapter
How Media Mangle, Mislead and Magnify
Chapter
Phantom Activism and Social Sabotage: Why Things Don't Seem to Improve
Chapter
Them and Us, Straw Men and Boogeymen
Chapter
Science-Based Solutions
References
Index
