Against the Culture of Fear: Why the World Needs More Rodeo

Our culture is plagued with worry-warts. We are worried about our health and safety, living in fear of transfats, sugar, non-hybrid Chevy’s, bike-riding without a helmet, tap water, and (fill in blank here_____).

RODEO AS REVOLUTION
That’s why I love rodeo. It is an entirely counter-cultural event. Fear is acknowledged, recognized and overcome—every time a ranch-hand nods for the gate before entering a maelstrom of bovine or equine fury.

But most people aren’t into rodeo. They are in pursuit of escape from danger at any and all levels. They are averse to risk. They want the safety that can only be described by the salvific images of the RRSP commercial.

CULTURE OF FEAR
In his article, Culture of Fear: Dealing with cultural panic attacks, Donald Bailey notes, “how many Western countries are losing their cultural nerve, as evidenced by the increasing cultural acceptance of the so-called precautionary principle.” Essentially, the precautionary principle is the avoidance of any proposed action that involves risk. As Bailey observes, this would essentially snuff out any technological advancement or development since all such endeavors entail risk.

The culture of fear treats individuals as those who must be protected—from each other and from themselves. As a result, there is a greater willingness to relinquish personal freedom in order to have this security. The government must hyper-regulate our lives in a culture of fear, lest we get hurt, or even …die.

DEATH STALKS THE LAND
This final fear—death—is the what our culture is truly afraid of. It thinks that with all of the toxin-free food and filtered water it will be able to live longer. Long life is such a nebulous concept. We all know that we will die, and sooner rather than later. But our culture of fear tries to hide its fear of death by being enamored with youth. So the old gal is sipping her nutri-shake on the way to get some Botox maintenance. Yet the fear remains, hidden but ever growing.

Just wait until we see streams of Botox stuffed people begging for euthanasia because of their fears—-fear of shame and pain.

A FEARLESS GENERATION

Contrast the North American pioneers who came from distant lands and toiled steadfastly in overcoming fears at every moment. Many of them had strong beliefs in a sovereign God who desired their ultimate good, even if He allowed temporal hardship. This faith enabled them to press on. They built this land. They knew they would die. But they toiled on, and took a risk for a better tomorrow.

When I think of our culture of fear, I am ashamed to be a part of it. However, I must also not give in to this same fear, but plough my furrow in hope of tomorrow, trusting in a sovereign God who enables us to change toward the good. I also need to go to more rodeos.