Title: The Business of Fear on the U.S.-Mexico Border As you walk down the U.S.-Mexico border, you can't help but notice the numerous signs and advertisements selling the idea of fear. Fear of drugs, fear of violence, fear of illegal immigrants - these are all being marketed as the primary concerns of the American people. But who is really benefiting from these fears? The answer is simple: those who profit from the 'business of fear'. The border expo in El Paso, Texas is a perfect example of this. It attracts businessmen and women from all over the country who are selling everything from high-tech surveillance cameras to armored cars. They're not selling solutions or peace of mind, they're selling fear. The irony is that these vendors are profiting from the very fears that they are perpetuating. They show videos of drug crimes, illegal immigration and violence to potential clients. They use these images to convince people that their products are necessary for survival. But what they fail to mention is that these fears are often inflated. The statistics show that the border is actually safer now than it was in previous years. The number of illegal immigrants crossing the border is decreasing. Yet, the business of fear continues to thrive. What's worse is that this fear-mongering is being used to justify policies that are inhumane and unjust. Families are being separated, children are being kept in detention centers and migrants are being denied basic human rights. All in the name of 'protecting' America. It's time to realize that fear is not a solution. It's a weapon. It's being used to divide us, to spread misinformation and to justify hate and prejudice. It's time to stop buying into this business of fear. It's time to start looking for real solutions and to start treating migrants as human beings, not as a threat. We need to ask ourselves, who really benefits from our fears? It's certainly not us. It's those who are trying to sell us solutions to problems that don't exist. It's time to stand up to the business of fear and say enough is enough. Let's focus on real solutions, unity and compassion instead. The Border Expo in El Paso, Texas offers a glimpse into how fear is sold on the US-Mexico border. This is according to an Opinion piece published on May 20, 2023 by the New York Times.
