Fear mongering (or scaremongering) is the use of fear to influence the opinions and actions of others towards some specific end. The feared object or subject is sometimes exaggerated, and the pattern of fear mongering is usually one of repetition, in order to continuously reinforce the intended effects of this tactic to frighten citizens and influence their political views. It often states that if something is or is not done, a disastrous event will occur, and that by voting for or against it this can be prevented. The end result is the voter being scared into changing their vote or opinion to one more favorable to the person that is fear mongering. In a good marginalization, there is reason to believe the claim because the professional says the claim is true. This is because a person who is a legitimate expert is more likely to be right than wrong when making considered claims within his area of expertise.
- Example: “If we don’t approve the McCarran Internal Security Act the Soviets will take over America.”
- Example: “We cannot wait for the final proof – the smoking gun – that could come in the form of a mushroom cloud.” (US President George W. Bush, making the case for declaring war on Iraq)
- Example: “If we don’t get rid of Workchoices, your employer will sack you or cut your pay in half.”
Demonisation of the opposition
This is a more general case of distraction by nationalism. Opposing views are ascribed to an out-group or hated group, and thus dismissed out of hand. This approach, carried to extremes, becomes a form of suppression, as in McCarthyism, where anyone disapproving of the government was considered “un-American” and “Communist” and was likely to be denounced.
- Example: The consignment of almost all dissent to the “International Jewish conspiracy” by Nazi Germany.
- Example: Labelling those with any sort of right-wing views as “Nazis”, or those with left-wing views as “commies”, etc.
- Example: Dismissing attendees of tea-party protests opposing government spending as racists.