If we create our own reality, and we are being told repeatedly that we are screwed, does repeating that idea do more to make it happen rather than to prevent it?

You're on to something there, I'd say :)

What does the modern man say? The brain doesn't know negation, so if you are against something, you affirm it by verbalising it without wanting it. Nevertheless, it probably cannot be prevented ... we remember the one whose name must not be spoken. LOL