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218 In much of the world, news of contact might be received more favorably now than it would have been at the height of the Cold War. However, reac- tions may vary from one society to another. If one culture or subculture is subject to stressful events that are contrary to the worldwide context, its responses may be very different. The more time that elapses between now and the moment of contact, the more the cultural and political climate may change. That future climate might be more welcoming and enthusiastic toward extraterrestrials than it is now—or less. Aliens inspire both wonder and terror; our choice is influenced by our cultures, our personal experiences, and the mood of our era. Our initial reaction to contact may depend on which image of extraterrestrials we have in our minds at that time. The Consequences of Contact