Scare Tactic

I just love how pharmaceutical companies scare the hell out of you with their ads. You know what I’m talking about, like the one that plays the song Tomorrow. Then goes on to tell you without there medicine you may not see anyone tomorrows. Man I tell you what, that’s a heck of a way to get people to use your product. I suppose I can see scare tactics used being used in some situations, like smoking prevention or wearing your seat belt. But using fear mongering as a tactic to just sway public perception can push ethical boundaries.

Fear is a strong emotion and using people’s fears and anxieties is an age old strategy used by marketers, political groups, and others. As someone who lives with Panic Disorder, I feel a bit of a twinge when I see ads using this tactic. For one I feel bad for those that are being conned into something that’s highly improbable. But also I am deeply disappointed by others who know better, but still allow themselves to believe a half-truth. 

Grandma always said, “believe half what you see, and none what you read”. That’s sage advice for a world that’s out to sell, sell, sell. My point here is, it’s best to look at the idea being sold with a critical eye. My emotions can be twisted just fine all-by-themselves, without the help of someone else’s fear mongering. So when you hear whomever beating the drums of division, fear, and isolation your ears should perk-up. Because if someone has to use fear in order to get their message across; then maybe it’s a message you don’t need to hear.