I agree with your sentiments. I believe America's materialistic, media-driven culture is the cause. It sounds much like the atmosphere of Russia after it's Bolshevik revolution. Except in that instance I believe the materialism was fueled by starvation and dire need, not greed. We are all human beings. Human nature changes very slowly thru the millenia.
We should treat each other with dignity, compassion and respect reflecting the decency we believe we maintain. We should turn our backs upon the influences and forces which would tempt us to turn away from one another. That in itself will go a long way in diminishing the fear of evil.