DENIAL

Denial is a psychological reaction to crises in general. It is normal to experience a denial phase when a person is first alerted to the enormity of the Y2K Problem. The truth is just too shocking to fully accept outright. Denial is major factor in the lack of Y2K preparedness. Denial breeds procrastination which limits precious "preparation for survival" time.

Many present "avid believers" had initial skepticism which may even have included anger and scorn toward so-called alarmists. To call those who are still in denial, ignorant would not only be an affront to their intellect, but would also not fully inclusive or accurate. Of course, there is such a thing as wilful ignorance (i.e. "I will not know what I don't want to know or accept").

Those in denial will rationalize that mankind has always somehow conquered previous threats and they will conquer this one too. Yet, Y2K is historically unique, with no real precedent and very likely will result in the loss of millions of lives. One difference is that former menaces have never had a specified a time limit. It is true that Y2K would indeed be much less of a predicament if it were not for this unyielding restriction.

Another problem for those in denial is the 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?

Also adding to "the in denial" problem is:

1) Lying 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 tranquility and progress.

2) Lack of media focus: The media plays it's role as the government's Ministry of Dis-information in fostering socioeconomic stability and growth at large. As long as possible, the masses need to be herded like sheep into peaceful productivity peppered with innocuous diversions, not stampeded into frenzies. Also, like other industries, the media machine does not want to lose stockholders.

3) 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.

In some, Y2K denial may be gradually displaced by a short period of anger mixed with despair. Some may actually turn to God in vacillating episodes of defiance and prayer. If and when reality finally sinks in, the former denialist will hopefully set about a logical course of action toward physical and financial preservation (maybe even spiritual reconciliation). In others, a downside possibility remains that the uncertainty of how to make preparations may keep them stagnantly in denial. The unfortunate who remain in the cave of denial (the real dark side), will continually fail to gain serious insight on their own, and will likely continue to reject the truth of the Y2K matter, even though well documented. A person who remains in passive denial will principally be a threat only to themselves and their loved one. However more vocal denialists may adversely affect others who are easily led - they may drag others down with them - their opinions and their influence will actually be harmful to human life. Vocal denialists are afflicted by intellectual pride and by their own vocalism may be keeping themselves (and others) in denial.

It would be far better for the avid denialist to swallow their pride, convert now. and get on with the real task at hand; but, it must be recognized that some will never do that.