Kristin - fabulous! 

The one thought I kept coming back to in my head when I was reading your post was: ignorance. While I think the word "ignorance" has a harsh sort of sound and has acquired a somewhat negative connotation, the basic idea is the same. 

We fear what we don't know, that which we're ignorant about. For all of your examples listed above, I kept thinking, "if they just got to know x y or z, then it wouldn't be scary." And I think there's something to that. 

Children going to school for the first time are afraid, but once they settle in, they lose their fear because what was once unfamiliar has become familiar. It's hard to fear something that you know or someone you're familiar with. It's hard to be afraid of a culture, a lifestyle or a point of view once you've had the chance to get to know it. Once the unknown becomes known, it's hard to fear it. 

I can only hope that some good old-fashioned learning can help bridge the gaps that exist between those who would incite fear and those who have learned not to fear. 

(Side note: that Nation article made me shudder. Very frightening.)