h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

http://www.bbc.co.uk/h2g2/guide/A633296

What do you think? Took it to the writers workshop they seemed to think it was ok, maybe it needs some padding though?

A very interesting essay, on what can't have been an easy subject to tackle. It seems very timely, given that people all over the are currently in the grip of fear because of the threat of war.

I was rather surprised by the ending, when you suddenly seemed to swing around rather in favour of the fear, after previously pointing out how childish and irrational it was. It is true that fear of the unknown (which is, I think, essentially what is being discussed in most of the Entry) can be a useful defence mechanism, and can save lives. The other side of that coin, though, is that the same fear of the unknown is the root of many ugly prejudices.

Xenophobia, I would suggest, is a form of primeval fear - an irrational fear of the unfamiliar. I'm not suggesting for a moment that you meant to support such unsavoury attitudes, but I think it is worth pointing out how primeval fear can be a very destructive force, when people attack others simply because they're 'different' and unfamiliar, and therefore threatening. Primeval fear was surely the force behind the witch trials of centuries gone by. I remember reading how maps in ancient times would be marked 'here be monsters' to indicate the areas that hadn't been properly charted yet. If that did happen, it was a great example of primeval fear at work!

Here on h2g2, of course, we know that monsters are rather cute...

Shouldn't the entry be called Primal Fear if it's about childish fears?

Well, the Entry isn't JUST about childish fear in the literal sense - i.e. fears that a child might have. I've just looked up 'primeval' and 'primal' in a dictionary, and I would say that 'primeval' fits the kind of fear that's being discussed here.

Thank you, that's very helpful, i can see how i have been more in favour of primeval fear, to balance it out i will definatly add some stuff on Xenophobia and such. Back to the drawing board. Didn't i mention maps form teh past? Maybe that's a different article i'm writing... Ah well.
Thanks again

You're quite right - you did mention maps and s, though not that famous phrase 'Here be monsters'. My apologies. That'll teach me not to post in the small hours when I'm half-asleep!

The Entry still looks good in daylight, though!

That's all right, at least you posted, and at least you're not posting whilst drunk like me!

I've quit posting while UIA, or rather, I quit drinking while under the influence of h2g2.

I'd say, it could benefit from some headers or subheaders to underline the structure. Otherwise it's

Liked it Good going Until later.....
BCNU - Crescent

Right I have just skipped through it, so forgive me if I have missed the answers to my points:

Isn't Vertigo, fear of spiders, and fear of snakes a couple of the group of fears that are inbuilt in our minds when we are born. And some people lose these fears naturally and others retain them? Is this effect mentioned?

Shouldn't this be called "Primeval Fears of People" or something that makes it clear its talking about a psychological thing rather than being about a horror novel, which it sounds like, to be fair.

But apart from that it seems to make some interesting points.

Researcher PSG

Oh and did you mention Golem [an image or automation that can be brought to life by a charm, from medieval Jewish Folklore] as I think it is very important as it shows a fear of things displaying life that shouldn't, you know inanimate objects being brought to life.

Just a thought.

Researcher PSG

Editorial Note: This conversation has been moved from 'Peer Review' to 'Primeval Fear'.

This thread has been moved out of the Peer Review Forum because your entry has now been recommended for the Edited Guide.

You can find out what will happen to your entry here: http://www.h2g2.com/SubEditors-Process

Congratulations!

Just stepping in to say ! (The other Scout who recommended it now will soon be there as well, I'm sure)

It wasn't me who Recommended the Entry either, but I'm not afraid to say 'well done!'

Cool, i'm glad it's gone in to peer review, i have to admit that i've just started uni so unfortunately i aint got as much time to potter round on the computer so sorry if i didn't get back to any of the comments you made, they have all now been noted though. Victoria

Oh, if you've got amendments to make then you should contact the SubEd, either directly or via the copy (which is in the hands of the SubEd) of your entry here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/h2g2/guide/A647868. Changes to the original entry might go unnoticed!

well, actually i rather like it the way it is, it's just other people who thought i should add something here or there. And anyway with my time constraints (i have two essays in for next week - aargh) i think it would be better if i just left it alone.