Media, politics fuel 'Crisis Culture'

John, Jared, and Brennan Platt
columnists
State Press

You could see the disappointment in their faces. The clock struck midnight in yet another city, and they could only report, "Nothing has gone awry in Paris, or any other city thus far." But then, a glimmer of hope: "London is only an hour from midnight, and of course, there's always New York!" The news media perched like a vulture, searching the world for any small hint of disaster.

"Either we are to conclude that America is on the brink of desolation and extinction, or that these crises are exaggerated labels used to incite or panic the general populace."

Y2K has been a prime issue for at least two years now, almost dominating news coverage in the final two months of 1999. Yet Jan. 1 came and went, just as it had in previous years. One cannot discount the advance preparations which may have averted many potential difficulties. However, in spite of those extensive efforts, the media continued to express growing concern, reaching an almost frenzied panic by the end of December. The media longed for a catastrophe, whether by computer error or terrorist attack.

A bold accusation? Not at all.

Over the last decade, we have evolved (mutated) into a crisis culture. Our political culture thrives on crises, and voters respond to them. In the last decade, we have been inundated with a host of crises.

During the last six months alone, political figures and headlines have declared that America has a health care crisis, a child care crisis, a national drug crisis, a suicide crisis, a police officer shortage crisis, a national wetlands loss crisis, a national arts funding crisis, an urban sprawl crisis, a national shipping crisis, even a potty-training crisis -- to list a few.

Either we are to conclude that America is on the brink of desolation and extinction, or that these crises are exaggerated labels used to incite or panic the general populace.

The media and crises have long been bedfellows. The fact is that crisis sells; wars, plagues and disasters attract more viewers and readers. A reporter's natural desire to "sell the story" drives him to exaggerate, amplifying a problem into a catastrophe. As their target consumers, we are certainly not free from responsibility; after all, we buy it.

Furthermore, our political apathy contributes to the overuse of the label "crisis." We are lethargic when called to action; hence, we require a "crisis" to rally our concern and support. Politicians, reporters and activists all understand that only the issue that screams loudest will hold our focus. Therefore, to enlist us in their cause, they convert it into a crisis.

The crisis hype is further fueled by businesses which stand to profit from panic-stricken consumers. For example, the world could not find enough programmers in the last two years to meet the demands of verifying and upgrading for Y2K compliance. No doubt many of them will plan an early retirement based on last year's earnings. These profiteers try to mask their glee behind a façade of solemnity as they testify as to how bad the crisis is, then modestly announce themselves as the source of salvation.

Not surprisingly, the chief pushers of panic are those who stand to gain the most -- the government. When we are faced with a "challenge" or "problem," we rationally think it through, investigate its seriousness, solicit a host of possible solutions and carefully select and implement the best alternative. Often government intervention is not even necessary.

When confronted with a "crisis," however, we are told there is no time to act rationally. "Something" must be done, and it must be done now. Because a crisis is always displayed in epic proportions, the individual is prone to think, "I can't do anything about this." Hence, he looks to the seemingly all-powerful government, signs a blank check and says, "Please! Do something!!" Elated, the government then quickly snatches up this empowerment, regardless of its ability to rectify the problem.

Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of this Crisis Culture is how petty our crises have become. In spite of the doom and gloom that is preached throughout our political landscape, by all objective standards, America and its citizens enjoy great affluence and security. We are spoiled by our prosperity, and we panic at societal paper cuts and ask for stitches.

During the 1992 campaign, Al Gore, referring to its environmental effects, proclaimed that the nation faces "a lawn care crisis." Compare this to the Russian economic crisis, the tragedies of Kosovo and the tyranny in East Timor.

How frivolous can we get? It is true that there are some legitimate crises that deserve their title, but they are few and far between.

Let's keep a little perspective, shall we?

So we've survived Y2K. Another "crisis" come and gone. Perhaps we've learned something about computer design and future planning.

But it's time to recognize the real lesson: that we must control our own fears and not let our rationality fly out the window because of the label "crisis."

John is an attorney pursuing a second engineering degree; Jared is a photographic studies graduate student, and Brennan is an economics/mathematics junior. They can be reached at Brothers.Platt@asu.edu.