Fear is a main driver in politics. Fear of change is a big factor here too, but it is also often a fear of the unfamiliar. Politicians gain support by rousing our fears, thus giving us a focal point to rally behind (e.g. fear of guns, fear of immigrants, fear of immigrants with guns ...).
My dreams have been expressing some of my own fears lately. I've spent many of the past few nights running down unfamiliar streets, trying to get to places that are unfamiliar. I had similar dreams every time I'm about to travel to a city on my own. In this case, it will be for my brother's wedding next week. I am unfamiliar with cities, and that unfamiliarity magnifies into fear.
I remember once talking with one of my cousins who lived on the outskirts of Chicago. She asked how I could stand living out in the country. She said that she would be afraid of getting lost out in the middle of nowhere, coming across a trigger-happy farmer who doesn't like trespassers, or getting attacked by wild animals. I remember thinking then how much fear was a matter of perspective. It was a moment of clarity that I call to mind when I reflect on my own fears or hear people telling others to be afraid.
Fear can be beneficial as it can keep us from danger, but living in fear can also keep us from truly living at all.