It is understandable that the arrival of Ebola has put Americans in a state of dread. Paranoia has become a more acceptable and preventative strategy for dealing with our inner psyche, emotions, and behavior, and it appears to be spreading faster than the actual virus. During every moment of crisis, we spotlight and turn our attention to our nation’s leaders, as we seek resolutions to assuage our fears. Politicians take advantage of this opportunity to manipulate the country’s fears for their own personal gain. It’s so important right now, we educate society not only about the virus, but also about the psychology behind our own fears that make us vulnerable in these circumstances that seem beyond our control.
Republican and democratic parties circle around key talking points that lay the groundwork like blueprints when addressing the public as they prepare for the upcoming elections. Dr Bart Rossi. Ph. D., a political psychologist, has explored this tactic in an try to help Americans avoid being taken advantage of.
“Republicans are clearly exploiting the politics and psychology of fear with the Ebola issue. Ted Cruz blamed Obama for not stopping all flights from West Africa. But experts have warned the President that this would be counterproductive. They say we can now track who wants to come to the US and banning certain flights will mean more difficulty identifying and following who may be the spreaders of this virus. In my view as a political psychologist, Ted Cruz and plenty of members of the GOP would take the opposite position if Obama banned flights. These Republicans will blame Obama for not listening to the experts, and for that reflects on his poor listening skills, lack of leadership, and limited understanding of the matter.
But it is not just a republican bashing party as every talking point emerges like a ping pong match of blame between the two political parties. Ebola’s first appearance in the country has been debated with abandonment, budget cuts, terrorism, insurance, and even inequality as contributing causes.
Dr. Bart Rossi examines this idea and scapegoat, “What is occurring is a psychological phenomenon in which “fear” is really projected onto the public to humiliate, dismiss and marginalize the President. This is similar to the “birth certificate controversy”. By pushing fear to utterly irrational levels, certain congressmen are making a point on the basis of individuals who only want to criticize, and are cynical. Think, there has only been one death from Ebola in the US and despite the problems, the CDC is making headway with hospitals, those in danger, and travel considerations. But any good that may be happening with respect to the Ebola problem is being overwhelmed by “fear” to the extreme.”
After 9/11, Republicans tried to disgrace Democrats into supporting President Bush without dissent. Now Democrats want that same allegiance for Obama. Because Americans don’t have any standpoint acting as a determination for the common goal of this virus being the only enemy to be defeated. The hypocrisy sounds more like a fighting game—covered by the indisputable brand of patriotism projected by each political party.
Rossi leaves us with these thoughts to ponder as we approach the next election and we invest in our true ideals, educating ourselves as best we can to avoid manipulation, to not be overwhelmed by the fear that’s projected upon us, and to appreciate the truth of the thoughts that can lead us to common prosperity and share affection to accomplish true patriotism.
“This Ebola crisis I believe symbolizes what is wrong with the current political process. Politicians are only interested in promoting something, “saying anything”, to protect themselves. The best interests of the American people are in a distant second place. Spinning, deceptive, and negative statements are at an all-time high, and it seems that Political Psychology is just getting more extreme right now.
Article By: Jessica Schiripa
