Do we fear what we do understand?

I am sure that many of us are familiar with that old cliche of fearing what we do not understand.

However, the question can be asked is:

Do we actually fear what we do understand?

There exists the basic notion that some fetishes are actually erotic versions of things we have a strong tendency to fear.

The tension, anticipation, the racing heart, and the adrenaline are things that are rather common with respect to fear and excitement.

It is pretty much likened to the endorphin release, when an individual is in pain or pleasure, fear and excitement are strongly linked.

It is rather easy to suggest that someone who has rape fantasies fears rape, and that fear fuels excitement.

Likewise, someone who is afraid of being trapped might find that this fear translates into the erotic excitement of bondage, or that fear of a partner infidelity might manifest itself in the excitement "cuckolds" or "cuckqueans" crave, or that fear of losing control, identity or freedom may feed desires in a power-exchange dynamic.

There are those who might already believe this are rather self-evident, while others might think it's all complete crazy

In any event, it just pushes the question back some:

What is the cause of these fears?

I find it rather intriguing, and I would be interested in hearing what people thought.

I like the irony of where what someone fears, is inextricably tied up to what they desire, as it is poetry in motion.