Fear

"...the only thing we have to fear is fear itself" -FDR inaugural address 1933

Following the transgression of recent events I began to examine introspectively what I fear and why. I believe fear is a primal instinct for survival shared by all animals alike; a certain level of fear is healthy to prevent injury or fatality. Want to cross a river full of hungry crocodiles? Neither do I. However, to what extent do we or should we allow fear to dictate our actions? How much of what we fear is instinctual versus fears influenced by the media and society?

As a member of the popular website, CouchSurfing.com, I receive requests occasionally to stay on my couch. CouchSurfing is a online travel network to connect over a million people across the world. CouchSurfing allows travelers to not only save money but offers a different, perhaps more unique and intimate perspective of an area. Members are able to search for hosts to stay with and in turn can offer a couch, bed, room, floor space to other travelers. The site has safety measures in place including profile references from previous hosts or surfers, member verification from the website, and vouches from other members.

My previous CouchSurfing experiences have been wonderful success. While backpacking around Europe I utilized the website to find a host in Paris. The host had several positive references on his profile and the emails we exchanged were seemingly normal. When my brother, cousin, and I turned up on his doorstep (that resided 15min from the Louvre Art Museum) he presented us with his apartment key and granted us free reign for our stay. Last fall a delightful student from Mexico stayed with me for several nights before the semester started. Now onto my recent CouchSurfing escapade that caused quite a stir. A gentleman from Chicago, who I shall call Elmo, requested to stay with me a night last week, not thinking twice, I agreed. Am I crazy? So I was asked by several people. I was aware of the potential risk of sexual assault or burglary, however, I felt the potential benefits outweighed the potential risks. This is my general philosophy. I walk alone at night. I could be mugged or assaulted but the small risk of that occurring is worth my freedom. It is all about calculated risk. Would I walk alone through parts of Detroit at night? Hell no, because the risk of something occurring is greater.

I am sure you are wondering what passed with Elmo? We spent a delightful evening together, enjoying dinner, drinks, and engaging conversations. I was educated on the history and workings of the Public Interest Research Group and universities in Canada-I am extremely jealous of the beer tent on campus during orientation. In addition to this merry evening I have gained a friend and connection and as I have come to learn, connections are invaluable.

CouchSurfing is not a new, modern concept. People were crashing strangers couches back in the 1970s when hitchhiking was an acceptable mode of transportation. Has crime increased since the 1970s? No. Are we more aware and safe now? I don't think so. I think risk is publicized and blown so much out of proportion that we constantly in fear of things that will most likely never happen. Perhaps my positivity stems from a stereotypically normal life that has passed thus far without a major horrific incident. However, I feel that the majority of people are well-intentioned and can be trusted, using your judgment and experience. When did society as a whole start doubting strangers?

On a different note, let's discuss fear of the unknown. This weekend I ventured out into the woods, backpacking, at night, and alone (I am sorry, I just can't be normal). Leaving my vehicle by the road, I crossed under the gate into a closed county park and made my way through the woods to my Grandpa's house. As I entered the woods, my stomach began to churn. What if there were murderers lurking about or rabid coyotes? My mind raced with the countless possible fates that awaited me. I am sure you have been there before. The power we have as humans is the ability to rationalize fear. I believe this gives us the upper hand allowing us to explore and experience even when fear may stand in the way. Upon pausing to assess the situation I concluded: it is February in Michigan, in the low 20s, in the rural countryside of Potterville, southwest of Lansing. When was the last time someone was murdered in Potterville? Although still cautious and attentive to mysterious noises, I continued on without much distress. Darkness cloaks the familiar and known, easily creating anxiety. Even a beautiful garden of lollipops filled with frolicking puppies could instill fear when shrouded in darkness. However, coupled with that hint of anxiety I was overcome with the calm, peaceful serenity as I padded through the deep, powdery snow, shouldering a pack with survival essentials.
I would never trade that feeling for a complete sense of security

Calculate risk, rationalize fear, and do not be inhibited by the unknown, for overcoming that can bring the greatest discoveries.

-Mik