Paulo Freire said, “The opposite of love is not, as we many times or almost always think, hatred, but the fear to love, and fear to love is the fear of being free.”
Sounds “touchy-feely”, doesn’t it? My continuing experience says it’s not.
- In business…In 2005, Timmy had just one Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers at 15th and High (Ohio State). Zaxby’s, a Chicken Finger chain larger than canes at the time, announced they would build 15-20 restaurants in central Ohio, the first one a few blocks away. We received a war chest from our franchisor to fight them off. When I suggested we mount a competitive campaign, Timmy said, “Let’s spend the money instead reinforcing Raising Cane’s theme “One Love” by investing in operations and service.” A year later, Zaxby’s closed and has not returned to Ohio 19 years later. Note: Todd Graves added “Cane’s Love” to “One Love” internally to become a chain widely known for respecting their people. For 28 years they’ve been able to hang onto that idea in practice while building a company now worth almost $10 billion.
- On parenting…During my children’s adolescence I lived in mortal fear that they would take the wrong path and, often, I used fear and guilt to admonish them. Confrontation and expressions of disappointment were constant whether spoken or implied. The fear I lived with and expressed inhibited their and my growth and got in the way of love and trust. The cracks are still noticeable.
- Politics…My professional political career began in 1971 as money and embellishment of the truth were growing in importance. Now, the Citizens United (unlimited spending) decision and lawsuits allow both parties to engage in hyperbole, even outright lies. The result: Fear has become a winning strategy.
“Our country (state, county, town) is being overrun by (pejorative name here).”
“Our country (state, county, town) is going bankrupt, financially and morally.”
“Elect me or all kinds of disastrous things will befall you and our nation.”
On this point, I’ve no resolve except that I pray each day that moderation will return.
- Advertising…The age-old question “does life imitate art or vice versa” came up early in my advertising career. Fear is most advertisers’ first choice; telling consumers that buying their product will “make me a better person, healthier, envied, and lead a fuller life”. Media has long been bent to FOMO (our fear of missing out).
The ad agency McCann’s theme, since 1934 is: “The Truth, Well Told”. I was lucky to work in their system that taught me our job was not to scare people but instead to put our client’s product in the best light using facts, warmth and humor.
Building business, parenting, selling politicians and products count on decisions based on either fear or love. It is difficult in the moment to consciously define and decide which to choose. Decisions that seem quick and obvious are easier to make than thoughtful ones.
Fear sells faster but never longer. Love takes time and conscious choice but, over time, love wins. Choices borne of love are harder but when it’s about business partners, kids (and theirs), buying something or voting, personal experience says that love lasts longer.
Peace,
Tim McCarthy
