2020 is proving to be an odd year, isn't it? The Australian fires, the coronavirus pandemic, and now an influx of protests and even riots over the ugly statistics of police brutality and racial bias in what's supposed to be the great American melting pot. In some places, the threat of dangerous raids on their cities raises questions on whether or not martial law will be enforced.

Wait a second, Gabby. Martial Law?

I hear you, friend. Martial law typically occurs when a country experiences some level of emergency in which the country's military is, as a result, put in charge of most functions of the location that would otherwise be autonomous. For example, President Trump is threatening to impose the U.S. military in cities that can't seem to quell the violence resulting from protests defending the life of George Floyd, who was brutally murdered by a clearly racist police officer.

While President Trump may not have the power to command the military for these reasons, places like Minneapolis are using their police departments to achieve the same result. Minneapolis now has a temporary curfew, and some people have even been shot with paint guns for standing outside on their porch. This was the police's way of managing the crowds gathering throughout the mourning city.

Whether or not you agree with the actions taking toward temporary martial law in the Land of the Free, there is no denying that it is happening. What's more, it's been happening for years. The only difference is that, this time, it's physical.

Gabby...are you serious? You think my country is controlling my mind?

Yes, dear reader. I absolutely do. I'm not the only one, either. Martin Lindstrom writes a beautifully eloquent article (this one) explaining why fear sells in America and has been for generations. If you're under 25 (like me), ask a more mature friend or family member this question: did TV channels used to run out of news? There's a good chance your interviewee will say yes.

Why don't we experience this anymore? If I turn on any news channel right now, there is no way there will be blank space or dead air time in its place. This is because television networks have discovered how profitable fear is. As Lindstrom writes in the aforementioned editorial, fear is one of the most powerful emotions in the human psyche. It is thrilling, stimulating, captivating; it inspires families to unite, it creates a humbling awareness of mortality and existentialism; and, perhaps most importantly, it encourages us to look for a solution and guidance. It just so happens that whoever poisons us with fear will likely have the antidote, as well.

Companies know this power, too. For example, the Non GMO Project serves to advocate for a reduction and transparency for what is and isn't genetically modified in the food industry. Did you know that corn is a GMO (genetically modified organism)? Gregor Mendel, in his revolutionary breakthroughs in epigenetics, certainly would not have negatively affected his health by eating his GMO peas. However, non-GMO foods and others with flashy labels like organic and fair-trade get premium sales and media coverage over a fear of the unknown.

Beauty companies do, too. We never know how we are going to age. But editorials and companies spend so much time and money telling us to buy this project or do this exercise or else we will look ugly and awkward when we're old. Fear of the unknown is a natural part of our evolutionary need for curiosity, and those in power in this country are, quite frankly, taking advantage of that. They influence our shopping decisions and viewing habits by advertising and reporting products and stories that scare us, even if they aren't deserving of their merit: martial law of our minds.

Am I angry about this? Sure. But I write this piece less as an inflamed diary entry and more as a call to action. I encourage you, humble readers, to be aware of what you see and read. How does it make you feel? Is it founded? Do you know about the subject? We can always benefit from research. Education is the most powerful tool we could ever have against any foe, physical or otherwise. I implore you to not be minimized by the greed of some clever people with power.

What is in your heart about this?

Thanks!