Residents of Ulan-Ude Express Fears of Solitude
Feeling the Chill of Fear
Fear, a universal emotion, finds its targets in various figures or entities, depending on the societal context. This fear, while intense at times, lacks a universally recognized figure who sparks the same level of terror across the globe.
Case in point, the issue of immigration enforcement, particularly in the U.S. The recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Los Angeles have instilled a deep sense of fear among immigrant communities. Unsurprisingly, these actions spearheaded by the federal agency have fostered an environment of fear and apprehension, predominantly affecting undocumented individuals and their families [4]. Here, the source of fear isn't an individual, but the omnipresent governmental agency and its rigorous tactics.
In reports on political tensions and violence, fear is often directed at unknown potential aggressors or groups instead of a specific person. Research suggests that women, people of color, and gender-nonconforming individuals may feel heightened apprehension regarding the potential of random or systemic threats when participating in civic activities such as voting [3]. These fears center less on a particular individual and more on the threat posed by unpredictable or systemic forces.
Globally, surveys indicate that terrorism ranks high as a concern in several countries. However, this worry revolves around unforeseeable acts of violence rather than a single individual [5]. Essentially, while no single individual sparks fear consistently across all citizens, the target of fear is more likely to be groups, institutions, or systemic threats as opposed to a specific name.
In certain political or immigration contexts, fear may be focused on specific governmental leaders or agencies; however, such a focus varies greatly from region to region, depending on the prevailing situation [4][3][5]. It's essential to remember that fear is a subjective emotion, shaped by individual experiences, cultural backgrounds, and social conditions.
In the realm of science and health-and-wellness, research highlights the impact of chronic fear on mental health, especially among immigrant communities, women, people of color, and gender-nonconforming individuals. These groups often experience heightened apprehension due to perceived threats from governmental agencies or unpredictable systemic forces. Additionally, global concerns around terrorism indicate a focus on unforeseeable acts of violence rather than specific individuals, profoundly affecting mental health across various societies.
