Franklin D. Roosevelt has once said, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." Although his words can be applied to many experiences either collective or individual, or these may echo failures of contemporary society, it is undeniable that there are certain things that many fear.

A girl records video on her mobile phone as Turkish Shi'ite women shout Islamic slogans during an Ashura procession in Istanbul November 13, 2013. During Ashura, Shi'ite Muslims commemorate the slaying of Prophet Muhammad's grandson Hussein in Kerbala in 680 AD. REUTERS/Murad Sezer

The Veil

The veil worn by Muslim women has struck fear to societies who do not know what they are for. To these people, it usually does not matter if it's a hijab (head cover) or a burqa (full-body veil). The veil is a sign of modesty in the Muslim community and a way of protection for women. While this statement can be a subject for debate in Westernized societies, experts believe that to get rid of fear is to understand that this is a cultural or religious norm.

According to the Surah 24 Al-Nur (The Light) based on an article in Islamic.org, "And say to the believing women that they should draw their head coverings over the neck opening, and not display their ornaments except to their husbands."

Fear And Perceived Threat

Fear is caused by perceived threat. The basic survival mechanism, based on biology, is a stimulus response, specifically if the stimulus spells danger or pain. While fear is the inherent ability to recognize danger, experts believe that fear can also hinder progress.

Fear And Manipulation

Prof. Maximiliano Korstanje believes that this particular emotion can be culturally and politically manipulated. In his context, it was about market-oriented policies but for the purposes of the hijab and the burqa, fear can be used as a weapon to stop the citizenry from embracing the differences of other cultures and other religions. Mirroring of fears is also very rampant whether one is talking about fear of ghosts or certain ideas. This mirroring can be seen in films and in books.

Cultural Influence

Experts say that most Westerners fear cultural influence and such fear is the crux of fearing the veiled reiterating that the fear does not root from the extremists in the Muslim community.