Seth Godin on The Fear Tax

Here's what happens as a result of security theater at the Orlando airport:

  • You wait in line at least twenty minutes
  • There's a scrum of pushing and shoving
  • The staff are unhappy and not afraid to share it
  • An unreasonable workload leads to fatigue and errors
  • People miss their flights

Here's what doesn't happen:

  • Security is not increased
  • Peace of mind is not enhanced

Godin starts with a longtime feeling of mine, restates it eloquently, and drives to a wider conclusion: "Think about how much you could get done if you didn't have to pay a tax to amplify or mollify your fear..."