Joseph O. Baker

Christopher D. Bader

L. Edward Day

Ann Gordon

The Causes and Consequences of Fear in America

Fear Itself

Jerry Miller

Stereotypes are prevalent throughout our society. Using content analytical and experimental data in conjunction with case studies, When Stereotypes Collide explores the influence of gender and ethnic/racial minority stereotypes in the production of campaign messages created during congressional elections. Filling a void in political campaign research, this book draws specific attention to the uses and consequences of political advertisement videostyle strategies on the electoral fortunes of women and minority candidates.

Race/ethnicity, Gender, and Videostyle in Congressional Campaigns

When Stereotypes Collide

An antidote to the culture of fear that dominates modern life From moral panics about immigration and gun control to anxiety about terrorism and natural disasters, Americans live in a culture of fear. While fear is typically discussed in emotional or poetic terms—as the opposite of courage, or as an obstacle to be overcome—it nevertheless has very real consequences in everyday life. Persistent fear negatively effects individuals’ decision-making abilities and causes anxiety, depression, and poor physical health. Further, fear harms communities and society by corroding social trust and civic engagement. Yet politicians often effectively leverage fears to garner votes and companies routinely market unnecessary products that promise protection from imagined or exaggerated harms. Drawing on five years of data from the Chapman Survey of American Fears—which canvasses a random, national sample of adults about a broad range of fears—Fear Itself offers new insights into what people are afraid of and how fear affects their lives. The authors also draw on participant observation with Doomsday preppers and conspiracy theorists to provide fascinating narratives about subcultures of fear. Fear Itself is a novel, wide-ranging study of the social consequences of fear, ultimately suggesting that there is good reason to be afraid of fear itself.

Ann Gordon

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