I want to amend my earlier statement with the following observation:

[xiphias]

The amount of fear humans in large groups experience is inversely proportional to the actual danger they're in.

Comments

[king-tirian.livejournal.com]

And, when a disaster strikes, I think your prediliction for fear is inversely proportional to your capacity to respond to the tragedy in more concrete ways. I know people on 9/11 who pulled up their sleeves and went to Ground Zero to give aid, but I know many people who could only sit at home, watch TV, write a check, and fret.

[hangedwoman.livejournal.com]

Apparently for the British dry humour is a concrete response. Along with the tea, of course.