Paralyzed by Fear
About five years ago, when I enjoyed the hospitality of my dear friends Bocaranda at Runrunes, I wrote a series of articles on the influence of fear in the evolution of societies on a universal scale. Nothing new in the field of historiography, but a feeling of closeness related to Venezuelan society that could lead to catastrophic effects and needed attention for its probable consequences. As it seems my presumption was not in vain, given the situations we are suffering today in post-imperial bombardment Venezuela, I will insist on the matter.
TL;DR
- Fear has been a driving force in history, influencing societal development and control from medieval times to the present.
- Medieval cities were built with fortifications and strict laws due to the fear of external threats and the unknown.
- Venezuelan history, particularly under Gomecismo, Pérez Jiménez, and Maduro, demonstrates how fear, maintained through brutal prisons and repressive forces, has been used to sustain tyranny.
- The post-bombardment era in Venezuela is criticized for failing to dismantle the repressive machinery, allowing fear and repression to persist and paralyze opposition.
- The continued presence and activity of repressive forces, despite claims of democratic transition, are seen as a primary obstacle to Venezuela's progress.