The US is just a very fearful nation. Have been since the Cold War and particularly 9/11. Look at their absolute terror towards the outside world, with emphasis on specific ethnic and religious groups, especially Muslims. Of course there's a spectrum of ranges as with every nation, but they have a very high proportion of constantly terrified people. Which isn't surprising, if you look at their news everything is so doom and gloom, to a point that it's comical from an outside observer, I particular found their news laughable when visiting, it's like everyone gets a kick out of reading about the latest terror incident or mass shooting or serial killer. Isn't surprising someone like Trump can use this to such great effect. To be fair I'd be afraid if everyone had a gun and the only news I heard about the rest of the world is terror events and catastrophes. I know I haven't really answered the thread but I think the answer is related.