What are you afraid of? Do you have any phobias? Even if you’re fear-free on Friday the 13th you may pause, if only for a moment, to think about Triskaidekaphobia. Literally translated to mean fear or avoidance of the number 13.
Unless 13 happens to be your lucky number (Taylor Swift), is there anything good about it? For some, I guess. But I am not a believer. Though it does make me wonder.
I’ve seen the movies and I’ve ridden the elevators. One franchise is overkill (literally) while the other is completely absent (no 13th floor).
So, what is fear? And, who does it apply to? According to Wikipedia, fear is modulated by the process of cognition and learning in humans and animals. Thus, fear is judged as rational or appropriate and irrational or inappropriate. An irrational fear is called a phobia.
Scared yet? Don’t be because this is the last Friday the 13th of the year. However, there will be two more next year and the year after that too!
For many, Friday the 13th or phobias in general can be quite debilitating. For others, it’s a day to examine their own superstitions and fears. I’m just taking it all in stride, perhaps I’ll find a laugh or two here and there, but privately I’ll be just as happy once the day is done. After all, my one phobia is not fear itself, but having a phobia at all.
Ian Power
@ianonair
ian@pulsefm.ca