A Short Note on the Word "Panic"

In the current discussions on what to do (or not to do) about the Ebola outbreak the word “panic” is being abused. Panic means a “sudden, overpowering terror, often affecting many people at once.” And some of the nonstop CNN coverage can rightly be accused of contributing to a potential panic among the population. But the word is also being used widely to criticize anyone calling for stronger measures. In that context it is not only wrong but also used to chill what should be a rational discussion of the right response. Given the potential for exponential growth, it is completely legitimate to ask whether our responses are sufficient or shouldn’t be much stronger.