One of the Drawbacks of Globalization

The fact that the Middle East is in an uproar.

Along with the earthquakes experienced in New Zealand and Japan.

And other as sundry natural and man-made disasters.

I am sure has given rise to more than a few folks believing the end times are arriving.

In this age of instant communication where most folks in developed countries have video cameras in their cell phones, we are exposed to more information and more world wide developments than we have ever been.

I have read a few reports and commentaries suggesting human brains are incapable of processing so much information.  I'm beginning to wonder if access to so much information also raises our anxiety to absurd levels.  Levels where our rational thought are thrown out the window because of our fear.

As if the images of the earthquake and consequent tsunami weren't enough to frighten folks--but why they would frighten folks who do not live on the coast is beyond me--the constant barrage of news about the nuclear reactors which are melting down sealed the deal.

Now, every person who had an axe to grind about nuclear power and its potential dangers has begun rattling their cages.

"IT'S TOO DANGEROUS!  WE SHOULDN'T EVER DO IT HERE!"

Hello.  How many areas are that prone to a 9.0 earthquake and consequent tsunami?  There isn't much that will survive such a thing, no matter how well engineered.

And furthermore, does anyone actually believe we can totally eradicate every possibility of danger?  Does anyone actually believe we can be totally and absolutely safe?  Do those who decry nuclear energy drive cars?  If they knew the odds, they might not.  You are more likely to get killed in your car than you are to die from a high dose of radiation from a melting down nuclear reactor.  Similarly, you are more likely to die driving to the local grocery store than to have a terrorist blow up an airplane you are flying on.  But no one is frightened of getting in their car to go to the grocery store.

Another fact: what kills more children: accidental gunshot or drowning in the family pool? 

I'd bet before actually searching the numbers, you thought gunshot.  Wrong.  Drowning.  But how many people are calling for the outlawing of backyard pools?

Our perceptions get warped entirely too easily.

And we start fearing the things which happen thousands of miles away while missing the beauty and relative safety we experience in our own backyards.  We worry about events all over the world and miss the joy found in our local communities.

And for most of us, we have nothing to worry about.  Really.

But we generate anxiety and worry; even if we have to worry about something all the way on the other side of the world.

One of the drawbacks of globalization.