When I was in seventh grade there was a huge hype up about anthrax. People were worried they would be targeted, and they had a fear of opening big boxes of mail. Looking back it seems very hysterical and silly. The people who were worried about anthrax, were those who were lease likely to receive it. They had no reason at all for being targeted. It would have been more likely for them to choke on a french-fry, then to receive anthrax.
I agree with the article, Bad Luck: Why Americans Exaggerate the Terrorist Threat, that people gain this fear because of the media’s portrayal of it. When I read the paper, half of the stories are about violent acts. It creates terror and nervousness. It is a good thing for people to be cautious, but being overly paranoid is unhealthy. The media is not only to blame, but so is Hollywood. The show violence in extreme measures, and make people believe they could be like that victim. In a world of violence everyone is a potential victim, but there is no need for that fear to rule anyone’s life.
