How to Defeat Xenophobia
Confront xenophobes in your own life., Ask why a group is perceived as a threat., Demonstrate how xenophobia is problematic., Make fun of xenophobia., Live your ideals.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Confront xenophobes in your own life.
You may have a relative or friend who has nationalist or racist ideals.
Spend time talking to them about their point of view.
When in conversation with a racist, nationalist, or xenophobe, avoid attacking them directly.
Instead, emphasize that it is their ideas which are misguided, and remind them that they are a good person who can and should let go of their intolerance.
Use calm, reasoned arguments to illustrate that they don’t need to fear a group just because they are different.
Surprise them with new information that could change their perspective.
For instance, if a Catholic is afraid of Muslims, you might mention that Muslims really revere Mary, or that they recognize Jesus as a great teacher. -
Step 2: Ask why a group is perceived as a threat.
Xenophobia is often no more than a feeling of suspicion or mistrust of the “other.” Pressing people as to exactly why they consider differences in culture, religion, or dress threatening is the first step toward making them question their own bigoted beliefs.
Is it skin color? Accent? Religious practice? Stereotypes about behaviors? These are among the most common causes of xenophobia. , Xenophobia results in discrimination, racism, and nationalism, which in turn inspire violence, hostility, and exploitation.Many of the world’s worst atrocities – from the Holocaust to the Rwandan Genocide – have been inspired by xenophobic sentiments.
Educating people about these historical facts will help prevent future outbursts of xenophobia.
Other examples of xenophobia which were later accepted as disasters or embarrassments include:
The Sacco and Vanzetti case The internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II The 2008 Alexandra riots in South Africa , Comedy can reveal the absurdity underlying xenophobic rhetoric.Use jokes and satire to illustrate how silly it is to disrespect and deny aid to others just because they are different.
For instance, a popular parody group in Hungary criticized their government’s proposal to build a long wall along the border to keep immigrants out by expressing excitement for the return of the Iron Curtain.
You could also draw a cartoon lambasting xenophobic policies and demagogues.
Even though xenophobia is a serious issue, comedy is a good tool to express disagreement with xenophobic notions and challenge xenophobic beliefs. , Be an example to others of how to forge a more united, accepting world.
Build coalitions with marginalized groups on social and political issues.
Alternately, join a sports team, club, or hobby group that has an ethnically diverse membership.
Foreign language study groups are a good choice, as are cooking classes which promote global cuisine.
Standing in visible solidarity with the “other” in daily life is a simple but important way to defeat xenophobia.
Celebrate diversity.
If you live in a big city like New York or San Francisco, visit foreign enclaves like Chinatown or Little Italy.
Talk to the people in these neighborhoods and patronize their businesses. -
Step 3: Demonstrate how xenophobia is problematic.
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Step 4: Make fun of xenophobia.
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Step 5: Live your ideals.
Detailed Guide
You may have a relative or friend who has nationalist or racist ideals.
Spend time talking to them about their point of view.
When in conversation with a racist, nationalist, or xenophobe, avoid attacking them directly.
Instead, emphasize that it is their ideas which are misguided, and remind them that they are a good person who can and should let go of their intolerance.
Use calm, reasoned arguments to illustrate that they don’t need to fear a group just because they are different.
Surprise them with new information that could change their perspective.
For instance, if a Catholic is afraid of Muslims, you might mention that Muslims really revere Mary, or that they recognize Jesus as a great teacher.
Xenophobia is often no more than a feeling of suspicion or mistrust of the “other.” Pressing people as to exactly why they consider differences in culture, religion, or dress threatening is the first step toward making them question their own bigoted beliefs.
Is it skin color? Accent? Religious practice? Stereotypes about behaviors? These are among the most common causes of xenophobia. , Xenophobia results in discrimination, racism, and nationalism, which in turn inspire violence, hostility, and exploitation.Many of the world’s worst atrocities – from the Holocaust to the Rwandan Genocide – have been inspired by xenophobic sentiments.
Educating people about these historical facts will help prevent future outbursts of xenophobia.
Other examples of xenophobia which were later accepted as disasters or embarrassments include:
The Sacco and Vanzetti case The internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II The 2008 Alexandra riots in South Africa , Comedy can reveal the absurdity underlying xenophobic rhetoric.Use jokes and satire to illustrate how silly it is to disrespect and deny aid to others just because they are different.
For instance, a popular parody group in Hungary criticized their government’s proposal to build a long wall along the border to keep immigrants out by expressing excitement for the return of the Iron Curtain.
You could also draw a cartoon lambasting xenophobic policies and demagogues.
Even though xenophobia is a serious issue, comedy is a good tool to express disagreement with xenophobic notions and challenge xenophobic beliefs. , Be an example to others of how to forge a more united, accepting world.
Build coalitions with marginalized groups on social and political issues.
Alternately, join a sports team, club, or hobby group that has an ethnically diverse membership.
Foreign language study groups are a good choice, as are cooking classes which promote global cuisine.
Standing in visible solidarity with the “other” in daily life is a simple but important way to defeat xenophobia.
Celebrate diversity.
If you live in a big city like New York or San Francisco, visit foreign enclaves like Chinatown or Little Italy.
Talk to the people in these neighborhoods and patronize their businesses.
About the Author
Janet Rivera
Specializes in breaking down complex organization topics into simple steps.
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