The Potency Of Fear | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

The Potency Of Fear

Side effects may include terror and detachment.

21
The Potency Of Fear
Edu Lauton

Fear.

What do you hear of when you think of it? What do you see? Maybe it’s gunshots ringing in your ears, blood stains on the floor, screaming, crying, pleas for help, police sirens, TV news reports, terrorism, and genocide. Maybe you see someone, maybe you see me.

What do you feel? Perhaps you feel suffocated by the pressure of it all, shaky from the images on the news or in your head, angry, frustrated—or maybe nothing at all. Maybe you feel numb, accustomed to seeing it splashed across every social media outlet or overexposed to it in your own life.

Fear is an extremely volatile emotion. There is a reason why enemies try to inflict it on their victims. It has a way of making people do things you could never imagine. While many people may first try to run or hide, they won't do that forever, and when their fear of confrontation runs out they will turn to aggression. They will lash out at anything, everything, their trust completely eradicated.

It's the strongest contender of hope, and it's taking over our world. Because of fear we are attacking each other, fighting in the streets, police are shooting innocent perpetrators, governments are starting wars and genocides. It's so hard to understand what you're doing at the time, so hard to control the fear coursing through your veins, but we need to. We need to fight it.

Aren't you tired of watching humanity tear each other apart? Of seeing death and shooting tolls rise exponentially every year? We shouldn't be afraid to go to concerts out of fear of being shot. We shouldn't be afraid of strangers on the street asking for help, of persecution because of our skin color, sexual orientation, or religious choice. We shouldn't be afraid of letting refugees into our country out of fear of terrorism. This is no way to live; not for an individual, a community, or a country. Fear is destroying society from the inside out.

So we must keep our hope and fight back. We must not lose our strength. But we'll need each other if we truly want to win our peace of mind back, and that requires trust. Is it possible? Are we capable of putting aside our differences to try and revive the good in this the world? I still have hope that we can beat this, and I believe you might too.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times "Parks and Recreation" Summed Up Your Library Experience

"I've only slept nine hours over the past four days, so I'm right on the verge of a nervous breakdown." - Leslie Knope

3444
Parks and Recreation excitedly gathered around a laptop at a table in an office setting.

The library. Club lib. The place every college student goes when they want to try and be a productive member of society. Who better to explain your experience than Parks and Rec?

1. When you've finally found the energy to leave your dorm room and walk into the lib like

Keep Reading...Show less
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

28445
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

12256
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments