After 9/11, fear has become an increasing issue in American society. Peter Stearns explores the historical causes and contemporary consequences of the high anxiety prevelant in American culture.
Autorentext
Peter N. Stearns
Zusammenfassung
Americans have become excessively fearful, and manipulation through fear has become a significant problem in American society, with real impact on policy. By using data from 9/11, this book makes a distinctive contribution to the exploration of recent fear, but also by developing a historical perspective, the book shows how and why distinctive American fears have emerged over the past several decades.
Inhalt
Part 1: Establishing the Cause for Fear Excess 1. Introducing Fear 2. The Distinctiveness of American Fear Part 2: Causes and Contexts 3. Searching for Causes 4. The Roots of American Fear: Traditions 5. From Science Fiction to Real Death: New Contexts for Fear Part 3: The Decisive Changes: Redefining Fear and Risk in Life and in Media 6. Fearing Fear: A New Socialization 7. New Approaches to Risk: Lawyers and Bicycle Helmets 8. Self-Scaring and Advertising: The Commerce Factor Part 4: The Exhaustion of War 9. At Your Own Risk 10. A Deluge of Crises: Foreign Fears in the Past Century Part 5: Consequences and Remedies 11. Conclusion: The Lessons of American Fear