Scare tactics
Scare tactics come in two basic forms: internal and external. With internal scares (appeal to force or threat) the threat comes from the person or group making the argument, while with external scares (appeal to fear) the threat or bad consequence comes from outside. Often the scare involves a series of steps (slippery slope).
Appeal to force or threat
In an appeal to force or threat instead of trying to convince someone with facts or a logical argument the person is threatened with some undesirable consequence. Typically the result is not a change of opinion, but an action (or sometimes a failure to take action). The force can take a variety of forms: terrorism, military invasion. murder (including lynchings), cross burnings, kidnappings, blackmail, boycotts, etc. Two relatively recent developments are based on threats of lawsuits. SLAPPs are strategic lawsuits against public participation. They are intended more to harass opponents than they are to win financial compensation. Vegie protection laws, as they are called, are designed to make it easier to sue people who claim that a particular agricultural product is harmful. Talk show host Oprah Winfrey was sued unsuccessfully under such a law after doing a show on mad cow disease. Most experts think that vegie protection laws are unconstitutional, but few people have the resources to test them in a court of law. A related fallacy is the promise of a reward for some action, or bribery.
Appeal to fear
Here it is claimed that dire consequences will result if some action is taken, or sometimes if an action is not taken. This does not include good warnings, although warnings are often wildly exaggerated (example: "If you go out without your coat you'l catch pneumonia and die.") Appeals to fear are very popular in political campaigns. One of the most famous examples was a commercial that implied that Barry Goldwater would lead the country into a nuclear war if he was elected. Also popular is the use of scare words and phrases, for example "frankenfoods" or "jack booted thugs". Also found are slippery slope arguments, sometimes known as the domino effect. Here it is claimed that some action will be just the first step toward some horrible end. The most famous example of the domino effect was in Southeast Asia. It was claimed the if Vietnam fell to the Communists, then surrounding countries would soon follow. Soon the whole area would be taken over. Eventually the hammer and sickle would be flying over main street.
More examples
"If you don't finish your homework you won't get a good grade. Then you won't be able to get into the college you want. You will end up cleaning toilets for a living." Slippery slope
From a letter to the editor: "Marriage must be restricted to a man and a woman. If one allows marriage between two persons of the same gender, where will it end? Can a man marry his sister? Or brother? Or his dog? If not, why not?" Slippery slope
"If you don't stop smoking and lose some weight you are going to be a prime candidate for a heart attack". Probably a good warning.
"If you try to drive home in your condition you will probably have an accident or be arrested for drunk driving. Then you will have to go to court and maybe even to jail. You could even lose your job. Let us call you a cab." If the person is intoxicated then this is a legitimate argument. Although there are a series of events, each one has a high probability of occurring.
"If we designate this as a wild and scenic river we can kiss any chance of economic development goodbye." Appeal to fear.
"There is a big party Saturday night. If you want a good grade on your essay you had better go with me." Appeal to threat.
"If we allow them to build that incinerator we will soon be seeing two headed babies." Appeal to fear.
"If we allow doctor assisted suicide, then there will be pressure on old people to kill themselves and get out of the way. Soon there will be a demand that all handicapped people be killed. Eventually any baby that is not perfect will be gotten rid of. Let's not start down that slippery slope."
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Written by Jim Norton
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