english.elpais.com
Historian Warns of Fear's Dominance in Current Sociopolitical Climate
British historian Robert Peckham, author of "Fear: An Alternative History of the World," will participate in Spain's VIII Culture Forum (February 20-23) to discuss how fear, used historically to protect values, now overshadows them, hindering social progress and impacting global movements.
- What are the historical patterns and current manifestations of fear's role in shaping political discourse and hindering social progress, as observed by historian Robert Peckham?
- Peckham's work connects the current sociopolitical climate, characterized by fear-based rhetoric from figures like Trump and Putin, to historical patterns of fear as a tool of power. He notes a lack of progressive movements focused on future aspirations rather than self-preservation, highlighting a global trend of fear overshadowing social values. This is further exemplified by the decline in social mobilization, even in response to significant issues like the rise of the extreme right in Europe.
- How does the current political climate, marked by fear-mongering from leaders like Trump and Putin, impact global social progress and the potential for effective social movements?
- Robert Peckham, a British historian residing in Bronxville, New York, will attend the VIII Culture Forum in Valladolid, Spain, from February 20-23. His book, "Fear: An Alternative History of the World," explores the role of fear in shaping history and society. Peckham argues that while fear has historically been used to protect liberal values, it now overshadows those values.
- How can societies overcome the current dominance of fear to foster progress, considering the impact of factors like the Covid-19 pandemic, political polarization, and evolving conceptions of home and belonging?
- Peckham's analysis suggests that while fear can provide clarity and motivate action, its current dominance hinders societal progress. He emphasizes the need for societal change to address issues such as homelessness, suggesting that overcoming fear requires recognizing its illegitimate forms and actively working to mitigate them. His personal experience relocating from Hong Kong to the U.S. highlights the global impact of changing concepts of home and belonging.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames fear as a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, exploring both its negative and positive aspects. However, the framing leans towards Peckham's perspective, highlighting his insights and experiences while presenting limited counterpoints. The opening anecdote about Cervantes and the emphasis on Peckham's personal journey and home in Bronxville subtly positions his viewpoint as central and authoritative. The extensive use of question and answer format, centered on Peckham, further reinforces this bias.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and academic. However, the description of Bronxville as "one of New York's most exclusive enclaves, known for its Tudor and Colonial mansions, as well as its elite schools" could be interpreted as subtly biased, potentially eliciting feelings of exclusivity and elitism. While descriptive, such language could be replaced with more neutral phrasing.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on Robert Peckham's perspective and experiences, potentially omitting other viewpoints on fear in the current sociopolitical climate. While it mentions the impact of Trump, Putin, and Kim Jong-un, it doesn't delve into the nuances of their impact or offer alternative perspectives on the sources of fear. The absence of diverse voices from different socioeconomic backgrounds and political affiliations could limit the reader's understanding of the complexity of fear in society. Further, the article lacks statistical data to support claims about levels of fear or mental health issues in the US.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic dichotomy between fear as a tool of power and fear as a catalyst for change. While Peckham explores these aspects, it doesn't adequately address the potential for fear to be both simultaneously, or to manifest in more complex ways. The narrative could benefit from acknowledging the multifaceted nature of fear and its impact on individuals and societies.
Gender Bias
The article does not exhibit overt gender bias. Both men and women are mentioned, although the primary focus is on the experiences and views of Robert Peckham, a man. The absence of female voices on the topic of fear might be seen as a minor omission; however, it is difficult to definitively label this as bias without a more diverse set of sources.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights growing inequality and fear in the US, citing the increasing number of homeless people and a lack of societal prioritization for housing. This directly relates to SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequality within and among countries. The lack of social mobility and the widening gap between the wealthy and the poor exacerbate inequality.