Paranoia: the new disease?

Susie

Susie

Member
Location
Australia
Is "paranoia" rife in the U.S., has it infected Australia?
45 years ago while still residing in the U.S., I was overcome by it, but gradually recovered from this disabling disease in Australia, only now to discover that the entire media in Australia seems to be infected by it!
Is my geriatric brain misleading me, is my assumption incorrect?

paranoia-paranoid: suspicious, mistrustful, anxious, fearful, insecure, obsessive.
Pocket Oxford Dictionary.
:why:
 

I wouldn't call it paranoia in America, but there is distrust and feelings of insecurity when people become aware of what has been happening for so many years, even before the disinformation given about the murder of JFK. The main stream media tells you nothing, you have to dig around for the other side of the story. That was harder to do before the internet, so perhaps folks were more in a secure little bubble.
 

With the threat of terrorism and/or threatening to behead a random individual off the street, paranoia,! I don't think so.
 
I wonder if it's just a case of us having so much access to information from all over the world? And because news tends to only highlight awful things, we hear more of that and so begin to feel like EVERYTHING is awful which makes us all feel kind of fearful? Maybe we'd all be more serene if we did like my one aunt and uncle. 80+ years and they've never owned a tv, they live out in the country and have never gotten the newspaper and come to think of it, but they might not even have a radio......easier to pretend all is well if you know nothing.
 
Fern said:
With the threat of terrorism and/or threatening to behead a random individual off the street, paranoia,! I don't think so.
Click to expand...

I agree. When civillians are randomly beheaded by fired co workers in the the workplace, it's wise to be on guard at all times and it isn't paranoia, it's just preparation.
 
Speaking of threats

10414406_10152739713820797_2332007389127523218_n.jpg
 
I think we're reacting appropriately to our modern surroundings. I see traditions, trust, and respect all being devalued as a means of operating. More and more, we become defensive and cautious.

When I was four and lived in a major city, I was allowed to roam free. My parents and the society said that was OK. It was wonderful for my spirit and no harm came from it. Can you imagine a modern parent doing that? The media has become, on the one hand, so politically correct...they can't speak honestly (MSNBC). On the other, they've become bellicose and demagogic (Fox News). I listen to CNN because they seem to actually try to remain objective. I see no advantage to sticking our heads in the sand.

metasegue
 
SeaBreeze said:
I wouldn't call it paranoia in America, but there is distrust and feelings of insecurity when people become aware of what has been happening for so many years, even before the disinformation given about the murder of JFK. The main stream media tells you nothing, you have to dig around for the other side of the story. That was harder to do before the internet, so perhaps folks were more in a secure little bubble.
Click to expand...

The main stream media is owned by large corporations and doners. They have a vested interest in keeping ordinary Americans misinformed and uninformed. Fortunately as you say, and much to the annoyance of the media mogels, social media has empowered people to communicate and pass on info. Why do you think they want the internet controlled so only select info gets out and only to select people. I agree.. it's not paranoia.. as that would be fear that is unfounded. The fear today is VERY real.
 
I think that a lot of people over-react to news items. Because something happens somewhere doesn't mean it will happen in your street. You ARE at risk of being run over by a car, or having an accident, we should not worry about random 'beheadings'.
 
Just to add to my post [above] I am not being casual about any awful and savage acts, just trying to put them into perspective.As others say in their posts, the sheer amount of news coverage 'coming at you' can easily overwhelm you. I always try to be positive if I can, we cannot shut out the news, nor should we, but we are lucky to live in countries where savage acts are newsworthy and uncommon.We are far more likely to die of illness and old age.
 
Terrorist raids currently in the suburbs of Melbourne (Australia); I'm too afraid to leave the house!
Dame Warrigal: Your cartoon is really scarey, perhaps a true metaphor for current reactions to perceived threats.
 
Susie, I remain the eternal optimist. I see that what was hidden in our country is now being dragged out into the sunlight and dealt with. At the very least, it is making moderate muslims question the way they raise their sons. They do tend to spend too much time supervising their daughters while letting their boys roam at will, completely unaware of who is getting into their heads.
 
Stop watching ALL forms of the news and believe little of what you read. Paranoia is Fear-based. It is the aim of the Powers That Be (varies) to keep people in Fear... for when people worry, stew, fret, become paranoid they are EASY TO CONTROL. The media is the 'weapon of mass destruction.'
You cannot justify most fears...it is a CHOICE that people make. Sorry if I seem unfeeling... I just hate to see people taken in and believe the media like its the Moses descending from Mt Sinai with some new Tablets bearing the latest news on the "War of Terrorism" .... We need to own our own minds and stop gullible.
We can't afford to forget that what we give our attention to and focus upon...is what we are most likely to attract into our lives.
 
Bettyann said:
Stop watching ALL forms of the news and believe little of what you read. Paranoia is Fear-based. It is the aim of the Powers That Be (varies) to keep people in Fear... for when people worry, stew, fret, become paranoid they are EASY TO CONTROL. The media is the 'weapon of mass destruction.'
You cannot justify most fears...it is a CHOICE that people make. Sorry if I seem unfeeling... I just hate to see people taken in and believe the media like its the Moses descending from Mt Sinai with some new Tablets bearing the latest news on the "War of Terrorism" .... We need to own our own minds and stop gullible.
We can't afford to forget that what we give our attention to and focus upon...is what we are most likely to attract into our lives.
Click to expand...

Very very true... It behooves the "ruling class" ie Oligarchs to keep people afraid... AND even better to keep them afraid and mistrustful of other Americans. When we hear over and over how bad.. dangerous... lazy...greedy...etc others are it takes our focus away from the REAL threat to the average American... that being the systematic movement of wealth and therefore control up to the top and the dismantling of the Middle class. If they can get us to blame minorities, immigrants, the elderly, the poor, the disabled or Muslim extremism for ruining or threatening our way of life.. we don't blame them... AND we will vote for politicians who will hand everything to them giftwrapped..
 
untitll.png


I think some politicians are patriots. If we don't support the enlightened among them...we invite anarchy which is a last resort measure. The devil we know may be problematic but the unknown spectre of civil breakdown is worse. The mainstream media does represent mainstream opinion which is something to consider if you want to know the perceived reality of the day. Social media is rapidly replacing old style opinion polls for determining present trends. Some mainstream media is tuned into social media. It's become a whiz bang world. Alvin Toffler's "Future Shock" is the new reality.
 
QuickSilver said:
Very very true... It behooves the "ruling class" ie Oligarchs to keep people afraid... AND even better to keep them afraid and mistrustful of other Americans. When we hear over and over how bad.. dangerous... lazy...greedy...etc others are it takes our focus away from the REAL threat to the average American... that being the systematic movement of wealth and therefore control up to the top and the dismantling of the Middle class. If they can get us to blame minorities, immigrants, the elderly, the poor, the disabled or Muslim extremism for ruining or threatening our way of life.. we don't blame them... AND we will vote for politicians who will hand everything to them giftwrapped..
Click to expand...

Well said!
 
metasegue said:
I think we're reacting appropriately to our modern surroundings. I see traditions, trust, and respect all being devalued as a means of operating. More and more, we become defensive and cautious.

When I was four and lived in a major city, I was allowed to roam free. My parents and the society said that was OK. It was wonderful for my spirit and no harm came from it. Can you imagine a modern parent doing that? The media has become, on the one hand, so politically correct...they can't speak honestly (MSNBC). On the other, they've become bellicose and demagogic (Fox News). I listen to CNN because they seem to actually try to remain objective. I see no advantage to sticking our heads in the sand.

metasegue
Click to expand...


I remember those times. Running around til after dark, playing tag between the houses and by the light of street lamps!

My own oldest daughter wasn't even allowed to walk to the corner store which was two blocks away and I could see the parking lot from the end of my driveway, until she was nine. And believe me, I stood there at the end of the driveway watching her every step of the way until she got back home! Very different from my own childhood.
 
Well now...there are orders...and then, there are ORDERS. I, personally, try to avoid reading anything too reactionary. All but the intentionally blind can see a new world coming. But...there are good people out there trying to calm the waters. Bill and Melinda Gates are among the richest world citizens. I call them that because they act like it. Their foundation has poured billions into Africa trying to eliminate malaria. As a side effect, they've drastically improved the lives of millions through education, clean water, and access to solar electrical power. If that's a representation of the "New World Order"...I'm all for it.
 
metasegue said:
Well now...there are orders...and then, there are ORDERS. I, personally, try to avoid reading anything too reactionary. All but the intentionally blind can see a new world coming. But...there are good people out there trying to calm the waters. Bill and Melinda Gates are among the richest world citizens. I call them that because they act like it. Their foundation has poured billions into Africa trying to eliminate malaria. As a side effect, they've drastically improved the lives of millions through education, clean water, and access to solar electrical power. If that's a representation of the "New World Order"...I'm all for it.
Click to expand...

Me too!

I haven't lived in the US for 14 years but I do spend a month there every year, and see what's going on through the media, friends and family who do live there. I see the US as extremely paranoid which is encouraged by the media, and demonstrated by all the states who now have open carry laws. Photos of mothers packing a pistol while out with their kids makes me want to scream. And I'm afraid there are many like my sister who is convinced that all one billion muslims are members of Al Qaeda and would all love to kill every single American.

I don't feel the UK is nearly as paranoid as the US and I've got a different view of the US since moving across the pond. Of course, I never lived in a post-911 US either, as I was already gone by then.
 
hollydolly said:
Read and digest or dismiss as you wish, but IMO everyone should be aware of the New World Order...the fact that it exists should be a deep concern to everyone, whether anyone believes in their tactics or not


http://eyreinternational.wordpress.com/2014/08/

..and this one too among many others...

http://eyreinternational.wordpress.com/2013/07/
Click to expand...


I haven't had time to look at your second link yet, Holly but did you happen to read down the first to the letters from an ex-CIA asset named Dr. Sue Arrigo about how aids developed? I also haven't had time to read more about her but if her allegations are true, this is...well shocking to some perhaps, but not at all to me. I didn't know about these allegations, but I'm not surprised to hear them. Going to have to spend some time on this perhaps. Thanks for posting it.
 
Excuse me... You all DO realize that Eyre International is a well known far Right Fringe Conspiracy site...and the New World Order a favorite fringe conspiracy. Don't you? Just looking at the pictures should tell you what it is. ... Of course.. if you are Far Right Wing.. this might make perfect sense...

ps... just thought this cat's expression sums up my feelings.. no snark intended..

funny-cat-boring-face.jpg
 

You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top