VanityFear

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The fear that feels good because it provides self-actualization.

VanityFear is based on this rationalization:

I am powerful and important
Because of my power and importance, I may become a chosen target for the Lawless Element in society.
I can afford to take, and need to take, big HardSecurity steps to keep myself safe.
As I am important, attacking me is a crime against nature, and warrants punishment.

Usually, none of this is true.

In MeatSpace, this is part of the BigYuppieSuburbanLie? and goes hand-in-hand with CarCulture. A count of the number of alarm-company placards along houses on Piedmont Avenue is enough to show how widely it is believed.

SoftSecurity is the opposite of VanityFear:

I am boring and insignificant
I will only become a target for the Lawless Element by happenstance
Technological steps have a higher price than just repairing the damage done

VanityFear

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