Mass denial in modern society

Abstract

Denial in society is discussed with reference to the media's use of language, and application is made of Breznitz's (1983) model of denial. Particular reference is made to the media reporting of crime and the public reactions to BSE and the ensuing beef crisis. Denial is seen as serving as a protection against anxiety over external threats, and against fears of one's own natural impulse to wish death on others. Denial might serve a useful purpose to protect the individual from unnecessary stress, but can possibly lead to a kind of madness in society.