𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐱

Are we really more at risk—or just more afraid?

We’re sold a world drowning in violence—but the data paints a very different picture.
In 2024, researchers confirmed what’s long been buried: homicide rates in Europe and the U.S. have plummeted since the 1970s.

Yet the media screams chaos, politicians fuel panic, and we’re left believing society is crumbling.

Why? Because fear keeps us distracted, divided, and docile.

1. THE HIDDEN TRUTH: Violence Is Down, Fear Is Up

A. The Numbers Don’t Lie

• Europe: Homicides have halved since the 1990s (Eurostat).

• USA: Despite population growth, murders dropped 50% since 1990 (FBI).

• France: Still among the top 15% of European countries for homicide rates, but improved—from 1.8 per 100,000 in 1970 to 1.1 today (INSEE).

B. Why Violence Is Declining

• Education: More young people in school means fewer in gangs.

• Aging populations: People over 50 commit fewer violent crimes.

• Technology: Surveillance, forensics, and emergency medicine save lives.

→ We’re living in the safest era in history—but no one’s celebrating.

2. THE FEAR INDUSTRY: Who Profits From Panic?

A. Media’s Dark Incentives

• Clickbait sells: “Killer on the loose!” grabs 10x more attention than “Crime hits record low.”

• TV loves carnage: If it bleeds, it leads.

B. Political Exploitation

• “Tough on crime” wins votes—even when crime is vanishing.

• Example: U.S. crime peaked in 1991—yet 60% of Americans still believe it’s rising (Gallup).

C. The French Exception

• France saw a 25% spike in homicides between 2020–2023.

• Based on available data, it’s estimated that around 70% of this increase is linked to the intensification of drug gang warfare.

3. BREAKING THE SPELL

Violence is falling. Fear is manufactured.
And the system thrives on our panic.

But we can step out of the illusion:

• 🔍 Question every “crime wave” headline.

• 🌍 Celebrate progress—it exists.

• 🗳️ Support leaders who follow data, not dread.

"The most dangerous illusion is that danger is everywhere."