Weathering the ice storm: America’s obsession with catastrophe

Robyn Curnow describes the current winter storm gripping Atlanta and reflects on the dramatic warnings that accompany these weather events, noting that the true anxiety comes not from the storms themselves, but from the endless cycle of anticipation leading up to them.

Robyn draws on her experiences of living in different countries, highlighting how weather is perceived differently in the US, where storms are not merely weather occurrences; they become personal, existential events laden with drama.

She emphasises that the media plays a significant role in this narrative. The portrayal of weather events on television transforms storms into monstrous entities, with graphics designed to evoke fear and urgency.

Politicians use the same language as weathermen, Robyn says, elaborating on how the politics of catastrophe create the same anxiety as an incoming storm.

The podcast concludes with a poignant realisation: the true danger lies not in the storms themselves but in the collective mindset of constantly bracing for disaster.

Takeaways

• The anxiety surrounding weather is often more impactful than the weather itself.
• America’s relationship with weather is deeply personal and existential.
• Severe weather coverage is driven by ratings and ad revenue.
• The language of weather often parallels political discourse.
• Both sides of the political spectrum use calamity narratives to mobilise support.
• The constant fear of disaster breeds distrust in institutions.
• The media’s portrayal of storms can create a sense of urgency and danger.
• Cultural narratives shape how Americans perceive and react to weather events.
• The Wizard of Oz serves as a metaphor for America’s relationship with catastrophe.
• Living in a state of alertness can be as dangerous as the storms themselves.

Robyn Curnow’s podcast, “Searching for America”, examines the US from her outsider perspective – as a South African living in the American South. 

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