3.0
The Culture of Fear
ByPublisher Description
The bestselling book revealing why Americans are so fearful, and why we fear the wrong things-now updated for the age of Trump
In the age of Trump, our society is defined by fear. Indeed, three out of four Americans say they feel more fearful today than they did only a couple decades ago. But are we living in exceptionally perilous times? In his bestselling book The Culture of Fear, sociologist Barry Glassner demonstrates that it is our perception of danger that has increased, not the actual level of risk. Glassner exposes the people and organizations that manipulate our perceptions and profit from our fears: politicians who win elections by heightening concerns about crime and drug use even as rates for both are declining; advocacy groups that raise money by exaggerating the prevalence of particular diseases; TV shows that create a new scare every week to garner ratings. Glassner spells out the prices we pay for social panics: the huge sums of money that go to waste on unnecessary programs and products as well as time and energy spent worrying about our fears.
All the while, we are distracted from the true threats, from climate change to worsening inequality. In this updated edition of a modern classic, Glassner examines the current panics over vaccination and "political correctness" and reveals why Donald Trump's fearmongering is so dangerously effective.
In the age of Trump, our society is defined by fear. Indeed, three out of four Americans say they feel more fearful today than they did only a couple decades ago. But are we living in exceptionally perilous times? In his bestselling book The Culture of Fear, sociologist Barry Glassner demonstrates that it is our perception of danger that has increased, not the actual level of risk. Glassner exposes the people and organizations that manipulate our perceptions and profit from our fears: politicians who win elections by heightening concerns about crime and drug use even as rates for both are declining; advocacy groups that raise money by exaggerating the prevalence of particular diseases; TV shows that create a new scare every week to garner ratings. Glassner spells out the prices we pay for social panics: the huge sums of money that go to waste on unnecessary programs and products as well as time and energy spent worrying about our fears.
All the while, we are distracted from the true threats, from climate change to worsening inequality. In this updated edition of a modern classic, Glassner examines the current panics over vaccination and "political correctness" and reveals why Donald Trump's fearmongering is so dangerously effective.
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Meet readers like you in the Fable For You feed, designed to build bookish communitiesThe Culture of Fear Reviews
3.0
“It's hard to believe this was written in 1999, it's still very relevant today.”
“The Culture of Fear offers a thought‑provoking look at how fear shapes society and influences our decisions. There are some really compelling insights and ideas that made me reevaluate how fear is used in media, politics, and everyday life. At times the book feels a bit repetitive and dense, which slowed my reading, but the core arguments are strong and worth engaging with. A solid read for anyone interested in psychology, society, or how fear affects us all, even if it’s not perfect.”
“This book basically spelled out and gave examples of what I already know - everything is entertainment now and not actual facts, everyone is trying to control me. It was good to hear it from someone else. All the truths are being spun and twisted so those using these truths can manipulate the public. This book helped me put things into perspective and question what I’m being fed; I need to step back and take a beat to think things through. It’s also sad bc I can’t be an expert on everything yet I’m not sure who/what to trust either.”
About Barry Glassner
Barry Glassner is a professor of sociology at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon. Glassner previously held posts at Syracuse University, the University of Connecticut, and the University of Southern California. He received his PhD from Washington University in St. Louis and is the author of The Gospel of Food. He lives in Los Angeles, California.
Other books by Barry Glassner
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