Fear Quote by Barry Glassner
““Fear mongers make their scares all the more credible by backing up would-be experts’ assertions with testimonials from people the audience will find sympathetic.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Culture of Fear by Barry Glassner, 1999
Fearmongers gain credibility by using relatable testimonials to support dubious expert claims.
In simple terms: Using familiar voices makes scary claims seem true.
Key Takeaway
Question sources and demand evidence.
Themes
media bias
credibility
fear
public opinion
propaganda
Mood
skeptical
critical
inquisitive
Type
analytical
cautionary
When to use this quote
- political campaigns
- health warnings
- product marketing
- news reporting
Key Concepts
psychology
social influence
information manipulation
Questions to Reflect On
- Who are the “sympathetic” sources you trust?
- How can you verify claims beyond testimonials?
A Different Perspective
Reliance on testimonials can mask lack of real evidence.
