the need for light

According to director Ian Cheney, “There is controversy over whether more light leads to less crime, but there is agreement that light seems to make people feel safer, almost like it’s built into our genes to move closer to the campfire or to the brightest city” (City Dark). People have a struggle against darkness. As a woman, I do not like going anywhere when it is dark out of fear that I will be abducted. Abduction at night would be the smartest. Someone can sneak up to you and you wouldn't know it until they have you trapped. I believe that if someone was going to commit a crime it would be easier to get away with if committed at night. It would be easier to slip away from a crime without any face recognition if it is dark. Most people feel that if you can see a shadow they feel safer. Personally at night, I feel safer if I have a dim light and music playing when I go to bed. If my bedroom is dark and silent I tend to lie in my bed frightened. In the mornings when I take my dog outside to use the restroom, I panic if he barks because I cannot see if anyone is there. There is just a since of needing light to feel safe. My sister also has to sleep with a light and noise. She runs through the house if the lights are all off because she is frightened. I do not think it is a fear of the dark but a fear of what could be in the dark. Anything or anyone could be lingering in the dark but you wouldn't be able to see. If I do go somewhere after dark I park under a light in case someone attempts to hurt me I can see their face. My mom and I keep flashlights in our purses. I believe Cheney when he says “almost like it’s built into our genes to move closer the campfire”. There is an indescribable need of light when it is dark. My body becomes uncomfortable, stressed, and freighted when put into the dark. It is just built into me that I need light to feel safe.