Fear Uncertainty & Doubt (FUD) and the Rise of Chaos

Throughout history charismatic leaders of both the “good” and “bad” variety have challenged the institutions that make the population feel comfortable. The institutions that we rely on for protection, information and democracy. The institutions that make the nation and world a synchronous environment, so everyone, no matter their agenda, can at least coexist.

Spreading Fear Uncertainty and Doubt (FUD) about the institutions that people believe in, causes panic among part of the population that divides it and creates skepticism about the validity of these institutions. Creating a platform of misinformation, fake news and alternative facts are tactics used historically by charismatic leaders to discredit these institutions and spread chaos throughout the divided population.

Charismatic leaders are very smart, shrewd individuals, who have an “it’s all about me” demeanor and aren’t bashful when it comes to taking credit for things they are or are not responsible for. They understand that in the chaotic world they created, they become the “thought leader” of the divided population. The leader who can legislate “fixes” that can correct the ills of the institutions they themselves have discredited with misinformation, fake news and alternative facts. By responding “in kind” the discredited institutions just add fuel to the FUD fire which further divides the population, intensifies the chaos and gives more power and legitimacy to the charismatic leader spreading the FUD.

The saving grace in all of this chaos, is that over time the truth will surface and be proven with factual information, based on real outcomes, news and events, not FUD. Fear is triggered in the amygdala of the brain and is the most primal and powerful of instincts. Charismatic leaders are well aware of this and use it to their advantage. Our brains strive to solve problems and answer questions rationally but FUD clouds the brains ability to do this causing the fight or flight response we see and hear today, in the dialog and actions of the population. Divided we stand! But not for long.