Beware the fear-based premise

There are three Modes of Persuasion. To summarize them, there is an appeal to Authority (Ethos), appeal to logic (Logos), and appeal to Emotion (Pathos).

The latter of which, I've always been weary of. 

For what part of the brain is easier to manipulate and dupe, then our emotional lizard brain?

There is of course, a variable in all things. If someone tells me that if I do a slight deed that doesn't harm anything else, and in return I get a cookie, I would comply, as the results of my actions would have a larger benefit than the action itself. 

I don't see an issue with following a pathos-based approach when it comes to appealing to happiness or joy so long that happiness doesn't stem from the expense of something else.

I do however, take issue of appealing to fear. The only acceptable variable, in my eyes, at least, is if our sense of fear stems from a fixed element or environment. Meaning, if it stems from something we cannot change, or have little to no power to do so. Someone can tell me to beware of lions, as they're man-eaters. This is all I need to hear in order to stay safe. 

One of the many other variables, is one that stems from a desire to manipulate and control others around us. An appeal to Pathos that can be twisted and manipulated to the point of blind submission. Entire civilizations have been build under this premise, and, oddly enough, they tend to be the ones with the highest amount of violence and misery. 

This mode of persuasion isn't limited to social policy and societal establishments. It's something we all see on a daily basis. As stated, it's an appeal to fear that creates blind submission. This fear isn't limited to a fear of death, loss, or physical pain. In our modern society, many times it comes in the fear of being ostracized, or the fear of being alone. Now consider, how many aspects of our life are dictated by our fear of ostracization or solitude. Consider the control this fear has over our lives. Consider how they have control over your life. 

Consider, how, without knowing it, you could be manipulated to do something that is mortally wrong, due to your blind devotion to fear. Consider the danger of the hive mind. 

But then, you may ask, if this is a fixed environment. To which I answer, no. It is but a social construct that can be easily torn down by simply refusing to assimilate. A fear of ostracization and solitude that can be counteracted by simply being your true self. An individual that attracts like-minded individuals. Individuals who accept you, for you. The price of our blind devotion is lower than the price of our social and fear-free freedom. 

And so I ask you, why do you assimilate?