Paranoia is always influential, but it's not all-powerful and it's not valued over everything else like you imply. Reality, and education about that reality, is also very influential. That's not wishful thinking. Look at cannabis legalization and gay marriage.

True, though cannabis is still illegal here, Gay marriage was suddenly and abruptly legalised here in the uk in a move that surprised and delighted me.

Didn't think our politicians had it in them, so perhaps there is some decency and concern left.