Able Quote by Judith Butler
“We have to be able track the ways in which fear, for instance, is monopolized by state and media institutions, ways in which fear is actually promoted and distributed as a way of bolstering the need for greater security and militarization.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Frames of War, 2010
Fear is manipulated by authorities to justify security measures and militarization.
In simple terms: Fear is used to push security agendas.
Key Takeaway
Question authority’s use of fear.
Themes
power
media
security
militarization
Mood
critical
inquisitive
Type
political
critical
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- activist strategy
- media literacy training
Key Concepts
political theory
social control
media studies
Questions to Reflect On
- What mechanisms enable fear to become a tool of control?
- How can societies resist fear‑driven policies?
A Different Perspective
Fear can also arise from genuine threats, not just manipulation.
