Summary Of The Politics Of Fear How It Manipulates Us To Tribalism

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The article “The Politics of Fear: How it Manipulates Us to Tribalism,” written by Arash Javanbakht, explores where fear stems from and how politicians abuse it. The author begins by bringing up the cruel murders of approximately 50 people in New Zealand. He states the people responsible for the mass shootings were led to do so based on what they believe, how they worship, and what race or nationality they belong to. In this article, the author discusses how fear, as old as politics and religion, can be learned and cause humans to be less logical. Javanbakht reaches his intended audience of young impressionable voters through ethos, pathos, and logos. Additionally, he suggests fear can be taught through experiences, and knowledge from those …show more content…

The author chose to include a photograph of President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden. In the photograph, the presidents are placing flowers at a memorial site for victims of a mass shooting in Orlando, FL in 2016, after having made statements regarding the mass shooting. Immediately, the chosen graphics appeal to young malleable voters by provoking sentimental feelings. Additionally, right away Javanbakht writes about mass shootings at two Christian church mosques in New Zealand in 2019 that resulted in the deaths of 50 people. This works as an immediate attention getter, instantly evoking emotion, and curiosity. Not only does this spark emotion, but it compels readers to continue reading what the author has to say. Javanbakht continues to utilize pathos throughout the article, in his statement “It is much easier to kill someone you have never met, from a distance. When you look through the scope, you just see a red dot, not a human” (Javanbakht, 59). By the author’s inclusion of this quote, it allows the audience to empathize with the soldier and attempt to understand their …show more content…

This is illustrated in his statement “We humans have different functions in the brain, and fear oftentimes by passing logic” (Javanbakht, 59). Javanbakht then goes on to explain how politicians misrepresent information in order to take advantage of this trait in humans. This section is likely to make readers skeptical of various reporting agencies and better analyze news articles to find unbiased information. Lastly, in his section “Fear can turn violent,” Javanbakht’s conclusion is successful in summarizing his entire essay. His concluding statement makes the purpose of his writing clear, which is that humans are capable of becoming weapons for politicians to