Identity theft, road rage, peteranswers.com, boogey men and spooky noises in the middle of the night……Americans are afraid of stuff – lots of stuff. Take a look at a small sample:
- 40% of Americans fear being the victim of a terrorist attack
- 33% are afraid to put their heads under water
- 35% are worried about getting West Nile Virus
- 29% believe terrorist mass destruction will occur in their lifetime
- 29% are concerned about developing Avian or bird flu.
- 25% are afraid of snakes
- 22% believe a worldwide disease pandemic will occur in their lifetime
- 10% are afraid of flying.
- 6% believe an asteroid impact on earth will occur in their lifetime
- I even had two students at CBC last semester admit to a clown phobia
Those things are amusing, but here’s the kicker:
- 98% are afraid of a full 98% of other Americans
What in the world is going on? According to the ABC News/Washington Post poll: "Between the criminal element, salesmen, religious zealots, alcoholics, minorities, immigrants, fast-driving teens, employers and panhandlers, a total of 49 in 50 Americans present a fearsome image to the vast majority of their fellow citizens."
Apparently, only babies and really old people make us feel safe. How did we get into such a predicament as a nation? Why are we so afraid of each other? Post your comments – if you dare.
Coming Soon:
How Americans Act....
3 comments:
I don't know--some old people really creep me out. :) Seriously, I think what most of these things have in common is that the outcome is uncertain--it's a scary thought sometimes that we're not the captains of our own fates. Of course, for Christians, that can also be a liberating knowledge. By the way, I had a friend in Fayetteville with an intense clown phobia--all you had to do was mention Bozo, and she would shudder.
You may want to add a Mr. Cory Calhoun to that "Afraid of Clowns" category. Just FYI.
You may want to add a Mr. Jonathan Wilson to the "So Afraid of Cory that i sign anonymous to all my posts" category. Just FYI
Get back to work J-Dub!
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