Fear: The Effect Of Social Norms In The Crucible By Arthur Miller

According to The South End Press Collective (1998), Much of what threatens our well-being is a product of dominating structures. History has shown us the effect of social norms in society and the political implications related to fear and the misuse of power. It is important to understand the historical role that fear plays in society. The basis of fear can be used as a means of manipulation, with those in power playing on people's deepest fears to maintain their position (Miller, Lisa L 2015). Fear applies not only to those being controlled but also to the controllers themselves. Moreover, the loss of power creates an aspect of fear that can have long lasting effects on moral laws.

The Crucible, for example, is set in a theocratic society

Miller wrote it as his own belief system during that time period. It shows how the government plays on people's deepest fears, creating a climate in which any form of dissent is seen as a threat to the state. The government is included by using fear to rule over the population, preventing any form of change or dissent.The basis of fear can also be used as a means of manipulation. Miller (2015) stated, Those in power can play on people's deepest fears, using fear to manipulate them into acting in a certain way. For example, during the Cold War, fear of communism was used as a means of manipulating the population.The government played on people's fear of communism, using it as a justification for increased surveillance and other policies that eroded civil liberties (Miller, Arthur. The Crucible. Penguin Classics,

Racism is a white issue as much as it is a black one.” The South End Press Collective, (1998). The aspects of this quote can be found in both “The Crucible” and “When They See Us”. Fear is a powerful tool that can be used to maintain power. Those in power can leverage fear to create a climate in which people are afraid to speak out against injustice, using fear to manipulate and control those they seek to control. The basis of fear can be used as a means of manipulation, with those in power playing on people's deepest fears to maintain their position. It is important to recognize the dangers of fear and to work towards creating a more just and equitable society that is not driven by fear (Miller, Lisa L