An event that is potentially dangerous is reported in the media. The public goes into the fear mode, and the newspaper reports the way the public responds to the perceived new risk. This behavior is known as the ‘availability cascade.’ The event is reported, which causes more fear, which causes more reporting, which causes more fear, etc., etc.
Rational people who say the danger is overstated are accused of being part of a coverup.
Politicians and regulators make ridiculous decisions and then report, ‘all is well.’ For example, if they report that the drug war has failed, rather than admit that the drug war is a stupid undertaking, they will demand more money for their committees, investigators and managers, and then all will be well.
Respectfully submitted,
Donald M. Heavrin,
Caught in the Avalanche
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
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