The normalcy bias, or normality bias, refers to a mental state people enter when facing a disaster. It causes people to underestimate both the possibility of a disaster occurring and its possible effects. This often results in situations where people fail to adequately prepare for a disaster, and on a larger scale, the failure of governments to include the populace in its disaster preparations. The assumption that is made in the case of the normalcy bias is that since a disaster never has occurred then it never will occur. It also results in the inability of people to cope with a disaster once it occurs. People with a normalcy bias have difficulties reacting to something they have not experienced before. People also tend to interpret warnings in the most optimistic way possible, seizing on any ambiguities to infer a less serious situation.[1]
Nearly 50% of Americans appear to be suffering from this most debilitating affliction. Day after day, we see it play out in our interpretations of our economic realities, not to mention our matters of National Security. A near majority of our populace, declares in one breath, that they are economically “worse off” than they were four years ago, and are actively watching the news as 27 countries in the Middle East and beyond are in chaos...to put it mildly. That same group in their next breath, sees our current Presidents handling of economic issues and National Defense as “favorable.” They defend his positions, agendas, and actions wholeheartedly, while at the same time, the Middle East is more chaotic/unstable than ever, and our financial collapse is imminent here at home.
How can this be?!
It is because they are simply suffering from a very serious, very debilitating affliction…Normalcy Bias. They are following a leader who instills false optimism as a tool. Who preys on the most natural, instinctual human survival techniques known to man…who uses our own hope against us. Obama succeeded fabulously in 2008 in utilizing this technique. He took our abysmal feeling about Bush, and gave us “Hope,” “Change You Can Believe In,”…now he brings us to “Forward.”
What exactly does Forward mean? Like the last election…it is not described precisely. It is simply…let’s finish what we started. What we started? What did HE start? Look and see for yourself. Disengage your heart from your mind, read non-partisan articles…seek out economists with no affiliations. Find out what EXACTLY “Forward” means to you, your family, and ALL of us. Define it for yourself.
Normalcy Bias is what keeps those still engaged with President Obama…engaged. How can they quit on him? “A little more time…that’s all he needs.” Or “you’re a racist for not voting for him…again.” Or “you are the liar, not Obama.” When facts are right there in front of them that none of these rebuttals are true, and giving him more time is just more time for more very bad policy is the answer. Policy, that if we continue to let go unchecked, will solidify our country’s demise…it may be already guaranteed. Where is this President in his promises if we reflect on 2008:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZgQhnNRSuw&feature=player_embedded
The Federal Reserve announced it is printing $40 billion per month in new dollars indefinitely…the effects of this are planned, and will ensure our utter devastation, it is guaranteed. They know it…do you? Don’t take my word for it…seek for yourself. Every dollar we print/add to circulation, devalues our currency at home and abroad as the International currency.
Just a few links to get you started on your quest for the truth:
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/opinion/opedcolumnists/how_us_debt_risks_dollar_doomsday_j8dxHSYWUa22QpSN7ttOIL
http://finance.yahoo.com/blogs/daily-ticker/fed-keeps-printing-dollar-worth-less-toilet-paper-20110328-102419-726.html
Normalcy Bias. Do we as a Nation fight for one man’s agenda, or do we fight against the serious situation he is leading us ALL into? Optimism is only good….when it is not false. That is the kind that can bring a Nation to its knees.
Ask yourself…
People also tend to interpret warnings in the most optimistic way possible, seizing on any ambiguities to infer a less serious situation
Do you do this in defending Obama and his record? Answer honestly…it is the first step to recovery.
If so, I am here to help you overcome your affliction. I am a recovering Normalcy Bias sufferer…I can help, and THAT is a promise you CAN believe in.
It also results in the inability of people to cope with a disaster once it occurs. People with a normalcy bias have difficulties reacting to something they have not experienced before.
Please…your country needs you…before it’s too late.
