Wenkenhof Talks: How Much Fear Can Society Endure?

Description

Fear of wars, climate change, social decline, AI, migration, and so on... Fear in many forms has a firm grip on us. With it, the belief in the future fades: How do we get out of this? A conversation about powerlessness, manipulation, and confidence with Karin Frei and prominent guests from business, sociology, psychology, and media. The constant media presence of crises and disasters leads more and more people to protect themselves from bad news. They are "news-deprived." At the same time, anxiety disorders are increasing massively. In any case: a feeling of powerlessness is spreading among many. As well as anger against "those at the top." Is the crisis mode justified? And if so, how do we remain resilient and capable of action as a society? The German social psychologist and bestselling author Harald Welzer says that in Western European countries, the belief in a good, progressive future is shaken. In his current book "House of Feelings," he therefore advocates for so-called "good places" that make us happy here and now and thus capable of action. Elisabeth Raffauf, psychologist, education expert, and author, knows how the world situation and future anxiety of children and adolescents are connected. She says: "The flood of images today is enormous. Children ask themselves how, for example, war or the climate crisis could directly affect me." Middle East expert and journalist Monika Bolliger reports from crisis areas and must decide how to convey "bad news." At the same time, she observes how fear is politically instrumentalized and how media aim for clicks and reach through negative headlines. Economist and author Mathias Binswanger has described many times why growing prosperity is no longer a reassuring promise for the future and recommends other ways to more well-being. Fears can lead to paralysis, withdrawal, or even anti-democratic attitudes but can also become the driving force for change. Moderator Karin Frei talks with her guests about how we find a way between justified concern, alarmist fear culture, and calm resilience – and how we preserve the belief in a positive future. The event will be recorded on video. Followed by an aperitif for all guests.

Highlights

• Panel discussion with Harald Welzer and Elisabeth Raffauf
• Topics: Fear, powerlessness, and confidence in society
• Moderated by Karin Frei

General Information

The Wenkenhof Talks provide a platform for an in-depth discussion about the fears of modern society. Experts from various fields illuminate the impacts of crises and the search for resilience and capability to act.

Location

Hellring 41, 4125 Riehen, Switzerland

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