Tags: fear
Presidential Pep Talks and the Religion of Fear: How did an Uncontroversial Speech Become a National Controversy?

Eric Reitan.

The conservatives who were frightened by Obama’s speech to schoolchildren weren’t afraid he’d say something radical—quite the contrary—they were afraid that the president would sound moderate and human. The real question, why did they buy the fear? is impossible to answer without considering religion.

Fearmongering? Yes, But the Fear is Here

Louis A. Ruprecht.

The debate about health has turned into a debate about death. Why has our heath care debate shifted so easily and so quickly into a fright-fest concerned with the care we owe to the dead and dying?

Diplomatic Suckerhood: Why Israel Is Fighting Toward its Own Demise

Ira Chernus.

A new study reveals that the majority of Israelis view the conflict with Palestine through the lens of fear, throwing their support behind a parade of bellicose and paranoid leaders. Until the cycle of victimhood and aggression is broken no amount of pressure from the U.S., vain military adventures, or Labor Party victories will alter the tragic stalemate in the region.

Sacred&Profane: American Martyrdom

Gary Laderman.

America has defined itself through identification of evil enemies and shared grief for heroes who die fighting them...

Double Helix: Do You Fear What I Fear?

Arri Eisen.

Was Obama’s speech just an exercise in kumbaya idealism?