Y2K: The Denial Factor

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Y2K: The Denial Factor

"A recent psychological study disguised as a public opinion poll showed that members of individual occupational groups were almost uniformly unwilling to accept any conclusion that implied a loss of income for them, no matter how airtight the logic supporting it.
Given increased specialization, most of the interpretive information about most specialized occupational groups is designed to cater to the interests of the groups themselves. They have little interest in views that might be impolite, unprofitable, or politically incorrect (p. 339)."...The Sovereign Individual, by Davidson and Rees-Mogg

It is quite normal to experience a phase of denial when first alerted to the enormity of the Y2K Problem. The truth is simply too shocking to fully accept outright. It is the very problem of denial, however, which may be a major factor in Y2K preparedness. Denial breeds procrastination which limits precious time.

Virtually all technologists who have slipped over to "the dark side" will readily confess an initial skepticism which may have even included anger and scorn toward so-called alarmists. Thus, they realize the term "ignorance" would not only be an affront to the intellect of those in denial, but would not be fully inclusive or accurate. Rather, denial is more of a psychological reaction to crises in general.

The denialist should therefore not be seen as fatuous, but quiescent.

Historically unique, Y2K is an unavoidable iceberg with a fixed deadline which will very likely result in the loss of millions of lives.

Sources of denial of the above statement might be outlined as follows:

Peculiarity of the crisis. Mankind has always somehow conquered previous threats. But, former menaces have never specified a time limit. If not for this unyielding restriction, Y2K would indeed be much less of a predicament.

Size of the potential destruction. How many are willing to accept possible loss of personal income and habitual conveniences, let alone something as devastating as nuclear holocaust?

Corporate reassurance. Employees and stockholders are continually told that their companies are well on their way to compliance. Of course, it is the job of the CEO to promote an atmosphere of tranquilty and progress.

Lack of media focus. Like other industries, the media machine does not want to lose stockholders. But, broader is its role in fostering socioeconomic stability and growth at large. As long as possible, the masses need to be herded into peaceful productivity peppered with innocuous diversions, not stampeded into frenzies.

Herd instinct. Simple fear of ridicule has hindered humanity for centuries. Few are able to organize original thought under this emotional tether. Most will adopt a conservative "wait and see" attitude to assess their own course of action. The wise will remember that preparation costs will skyrocket (as stock markets plunge) when the mainstream makes its move.

Be forewarned that Y2K denial frequently gives way to a short period of anger mixed with despair. Many actually turn to God in vacillating episodes of defiance and prayer. Only when reality truly sinks in (albeit no one honestly knows the extent of this reality) will the former denialist set about a logical course of action, whether it be for monetary gain or material preservation or spiritual reconciliation or some strange combination of the three. In fact, it may be this uncertainty of how to make preparations that keep some people stagnantly in denial. Nonetheless, no serious insight can be given to those who remain in the cave of denial (the real dark side).

Another word of caution to the more vocal denialists: If the Y2K threat is realized, your opinions will actually be retrospectively harmful to human life. In view of this, your own vocalism may be keeping you in denial. What can we say to make it easier to swallow your intellectual pride if won over to the dark side?

Better yet, convert now and let us get on with the real task at hand.

LE FastCounter
Aug 17,1998

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