WhatAreYouAfraidOf?

6 WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF?

Who Said It?

“Fear is used by politicians and other partisans to manipulate and motivate us to fear and hate others, to give our support to candidates and causes that we wouldn’t otherwise support, to get us to turn on each other and to destroy our democracy from the inside out.Conversely, freedom from fear allows us to be bolder.”

What Do We Really Think?

Got a piece of paper and something to write with? Here’s a little exercise you might find interesting.

To the right are ten words. Write down the first thing that comes to mind when you hear each word. Don’t worry. Your answers are for you only. Limit yourself to five seconds for each word.

You might be surprised by your first reactions. What you thought of first gives a pretty good hint of your perspective … and beliefs. The fact is, these words can mean very different things to very different people. No wonder we’re having a hard time talking about them!

Remember, what you write down is the first thing that comes to mind, not an answer that you write after thinking about it. The point is to be honest.

Might you be embarrassed if other people knew what came to mind? Might you be afraid of criticism? Do your thoughts after the quick answers require more explanation or revision before you speak out, argue, or vote?

Socially, we seek out and spend time with like-minded people. This is not a bad thing. In fact, according to recent neuroscientific research, humans are “hardwired” for it. But when we only seek information and viewpoints that align with our beliefs and dismiss or ignore whatever challenges those beliefs, we do ourselves a disservice. We can combat this confirmation bias by purposefully connecting with those who disagree with us.

1� America 2� Guns 3� Love 4� Freedom 5� Fear 6� Beautiful 7� Black 8� Illegal 9� Flag 10� Christian

... and more

Want to see where this can lead you? Try 40 more words at fourfreedomsandbeyond�com�

Who, ME? Biased?

Four Freedoms & Beyond • A Midwest Partners’ Publication

A sign about fears is displayed in a window on Main Street in Princeton.

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THANK YOU

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Opinion, Continued from Page 2THANK YOU

To me, as editor of this publication, that list rang some of the same bells I was surprised to find in The Patriot’s Toolbox: One hundred principles for restoring our freedom and prosperity, published by The Heartland Institute.

I agreed with many more points of both groups than I disagreed with. The New York Times is not likely to be the medium of choice for anyone looking for simple answers for the complexities of 2022 and the future. Opinion pieces and ads like those of WE ARE THE FOUNDERS can shine a light on what’s possible. And knowing about “the other side(s)” of the arguments we often avoid can offer hope for The quality of life for “us” all. —Rick Brooks We especially want to thank artist Maggie Meiners, the primary reason this project exists. And Pete Shively, Nick Young, Chris Yeazel, Jessica Gray, David Gray, Sheila Harrison, Jim Van Fleet, Lindsey Vaughn, Ron McCutchan, Margaret Martinkus, Julie Wayland and Princeton Public Library staff and Friends, Pam Horowitz, Kevin Shyne, Victoria Yepson, Charlie Gebeck, Nedda Simon, Festival 56, Adam Webber and Open Prairie Unity Church, Trisha Schafer and staff at Freedom House, Lex Poppens at the Bureau County Historical Society, and hundreds of participants at Four Freedoms and Beyond events. This publication was designed For more useful resources,by Kayla Greenwell, an ABC AmeriCorps see "Who Do We Want tomember serving North Central Illinois Be?" on page 8.through Midwest Partners. Write to use at info@fourfreedomsanndbe yond.com at visit our wesite.OPINION, Continued from page 2

To me, as editor of this publication, that list rang some of the same bells I was surprised to find in “The Patriot’s Toolbox: One hundred principles for restoring our freedom and prosperity,” published by The Heartland Institute.

I agreed with many more points of both groups than I disagreed with.

The New York Times is not likely to be the medium of

(Additional Names to Come) choice for anyone looking for simple answers for the complexities of 2022 and the future. Opinion pieces and ads like The goal of the Four Freedoms and Beyond project is to encourage collaborative, meaningful discussions on common those of We Are The Founders can shine a light on what’s American values while fostering empathy and understanding. The views and opinions expressed in this project do not necessarily represent those of the Interactivity Foundation, Illinois Humanities possible. And knowing about Council, Starved Rock Country Community Foundation, Shaw Media or other groups collaborating with Midwest Partners.“the other side(s)” of the arguments we often avoid can offer hope for the quality of life for “us” all.

— Rick Brooks

n FOR MORE USEFUL RESOURCES, see “Who Do We Want to Be?”on page 8. n WRITE TO US at info@ fourfreedomsanndbeyond.com and visit our website.

The goal of the Four Freedoms and Beyond project is to encourage collaborative, meaningful discussions on common American values while fostering empathy and understanding. The views and opinions expressed in this project do not necessarily represent those of the Interactivity Foundation, Illinois Humanities Council, Starved Rock Country Community Foundation, Shaw Media or other groups collaborating with Midwest Partners.