Trickle Down Episode 8: How To Be Afraid (Part 2) (Patreon)

The federal government faced a massive crisis of credibility and public fear in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In order to help local governments and individuals more aware of possible terrorist threats, the newly formed Office of Homeland Security hastily developed the Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS). This system consisted of five colors, each corresponding to a particular “threat level.” Unfortunately, it only served to terrorize the population as much as foreign terrorists did. And the network media eagerly amplified each increase in threat level without asking too many questions about the reasons. 

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Written by Travis View. Theme by Nick Sena (https://nicksenamusic.com). Additional music by Pontus Berghe, Nick Sena & Roman85. Editing by Corey Klotz.

REFERENCES

Cohen, Dara and Shapiro, Jacob (2007) Color Blind: Lessons from the Failed Homeland Security Advisory System

Grossman, Taylor (2015) The Problem of Warning: Homeland Security And the Evolution of Terrorism Advisory Systems

McDermott, Rose and Zimbardo, Philip (2007) The Psychological Consequences of Terrorist Alerts

Nacos, Brigitte, et al (2011) Selling Fear: Counter-terrorism, the Media, and Public Opinion

Ridge, Tom (2010) The Test of Our Times: America Under Siege...And How We Can Be Safe Again

Sharp, Vincent H. (2013) Faded Colors: From The Homeland Security Advisory System To The National Terrorism Advisory System