Understanding Fear vs Acting On Fear

The Ebola virus has certainly created fear. The fear is all over the place. It exists in every geographic area and across economic classes. People are scared because it's a really deadly disease. Everyone has some level of fear about Ebola and that in itself is not a bad thing. Actually it's pretty smart. It helps us all take it seriously and to show some very healthy respect. It should also help to focus us on education and communicating good information about the disease, its spread and its prevention. I think we all understand the fear that's out there and there's nothing wrong with that in itself.

But acting on fear is completely different and some people are acting badly and irresponsibly. Examples include the kids who beat up two young boys from West Africa while calling them 'Ebola'. Then there are the folks in Maine refusing to go to their local hospital because the partner of the nurse who had been quarantined, works at that hospital. These are fear based actions that aren't based on any real facts. Sadly, these actions are fed by elected officials who seem to think it's their job to spread fear. That is not what leadership is about. There are ways to protect public safety without spreading fear. As a matter of fact, spreading fear itself is not in the best interest of public safety.

The tough guy image that some politicians want to present doesn't help either. If you think about it, it implies that we or someone need the protection of these bullying types. Their tactics are rough and tumble. Anyone who disagrees is an idiot. Negotiation or even just listening is not in their playbook. Obviously there are lots of people who like or want this type of behavior. Perhaps it's entertainment, or in some cases there are people who want and expect this type of 'protection' by their elected leaders. But worse yet, some learn from it and model it in their own behavior. It becomes ok to segregate, harass or beat up people identified as the problem.

We've seen this over the years when people fear other people's looks, freedom, lifestyle, illness, religion or nationality. People have stigmatized people with HIV/AIDS, developmental disabilities, and a host of other health or physical differences. Most of these things have proven to be wrong and bad public policy. Most have required science and facts as well as people to speak up about what is right or wrong.

I am impressed with Kaci Hickox, the Nurse from Maine, who is challenging the quarantine policies that seem to be based totally on fear versus good medical and scientific information. She is raising important issues relative to individual rights vs state rights. Although sometimes put forward as irresponsible, selfish, etc., she seems to be presenting a pretty reasonable approach. She is agreeing not to take public transit and to help track her contacts. She is following all protocols relative to monitoring. Her main point is that she is not symptomatic at this time and therefore not contagious. Scientific facts seem to back up her position.

Currently, however, 80%+ of the general public believe quarantines should be put in place. We are in a very sad state if public health policies are going to be established based on polls rather than science and medical facts. There is no question, our leaders, all of them, have failed us. There is no clear message. They are all basing their responses and reactions on the fear of their constituents and in the process, they are feeding that fear. They should all take a deep breath, step back and get their act together - understand the fear everyone is feeling and then take actions based on science and educate in the process.