Jumping at Shadows

The Triumph of Fear and the End of the American Dream

Nonfiction, Health & Well Being, Psychology, Mental Health, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Social Science
Cover of the book Jumping at Shadows by Sasha Abramsky, PublicAffairs
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Sasha Abramsky ISBN: 9781568585208
Publisher: PublicAffairs Publication: September 5, 2017
Imprint: Bold Type Books Language: English
Author: Sasha Abramsky
ISBN: 9781568585208
Publisher: PublicAffairs
Publication: September 5, 2017
Imprint: Bold Type Books
Language: English

Why is an unarmed young black woman who knocks on a stranger's front door to ask for help after her car breaks down perceived to be so threatening that he shoots her dead? Why do we fear infrequent acts of terrorism more far more common acts of violence? Why does a disease like Ebola, which killed only a handful of Americans, provoke panic, whereas the flu--which kills tens of thousands each year--is dismissed with a yawn?

Jumping at Shadows is Sasha Abramsky's searing account of America's most dangerous epidemic: irrational fear. Taking readers on a dramatic journey through a divided nation, where everything from immigration to disease, gun control to health care has become fodder for fearmongers and conspiracists, he delivers an eye-popping analysis of our misconceptions about risk and threats. What emerges is a shocking portrait of a political and cultural landscape that is, increasingly, defined by our worst fears and rampant anxieties.

Ultimately, Abramsky shows that how we calculate risk and deal with fear can teach us a great deal about ourselves, exposing deeply ingrained strains of racism, classism, and xenophobia within our culture, as well as our growing susceptibility to the toxic messages of demagogues.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Why is an unarmed young black woman who knocks on a stranger's front door to ask for help after her car breaks down perceived to be so threatening that he shoots her dead? Why do we fear infrequent acts of terrorism more far more common acts of violence? Why does a disease like Ebola, which killed only a handful of Americans, provoke panic, whereas the flu--which kills tens of thousands each year--is dismissed with a yawn?

Jumping at Shadows is Sasha Abramsky's searing account of America's most dangerous epidemic: irrational fear. Taking readers on a dramatic journey through a divided nation, where everything from immigration to disease, gun control to health care has become fodder for fearmongers and conspiracists, he delivers an eye-popping analysis of our misconceptions about risk and threats. What emerges is a shocking portrait of a political and cultural landscape that is, increasingly, defined by our worst fears and rampant anxieties.

Ultimately, Abramsky shows that how we calculate risk and deal with fear can teach us a great deal about ourselves, exposing deeply ingrained strains of racism, classism, and xenophobia within our culture, as well as our growing susceptibility to the toxic messages of demagogues.

More books from PublicAffairs

Cover of the book Cult of the Dead Cow by Sasha Abramsky
Cover of the book Two Rings by Sasha Abramsky
Cover of the book Tragedy in Crimson by Sasha Abramsky
Cover of the book Our Supreme Task by Sasha Abramsky
Cover of the book Go Back to Where You Came From by Sasha Abramsky
Cover of the book Reagan's Disciple by Sasha Abramsky
Cover of the book Who's Buried in Grant's Tomb? by Sasha Abramsky
Cover of the book Before the Storm by Sasha Abramsky
Cover of the book After Such Knowledge by Sasha Abramsky
Cover of the book Business Strategy by Sasha Abramsky
Cover of the book A Chance to Make History by Sasha Abramsky
Cover of the book Treasury's War by Sasha Abramsky
Cover of the book K Blows Top by Sasha Abramsky
Cover of the book Passing by Sasha Abramsky
Cover of the book Queen Victoria's Matchmaking by Sasha Abramsky
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy