Discuss three contributing factors that lead to xenophobia
Answers
Xenophobia is the fear or hatred of that which is perceived to be foreign or strange.
Xenophobia can involve perceptions of an ingroup towards an outgroup and can manifest itself in suspicion of the activities of others, and a desire to eliminate their presence to secure a presumed purity and may relate to a fear of losing national, ethnic or racial identity.
Xenophobia can also be exhibited in the form of an "uncritical exaltation of another culture" in which a culture is ascribed "an unreal, stereotyped and exotic quality".
According to UNESCO, the terms xenophobia and racism often overlap, but differ in how the latter encompasses prejudice based on physical characteristics while the former is generally centered on behaviour based on the notion of a specified people being adverse to the culture or nation.
The fear of foreigners can be attributed to the mismatch in the basic thinking process and culture. However, this reason is not all that there is to it. One of the reasons responsible for painting a negative picture of foreigners is their involvement in various crimes. This can create a feeling of alienation, and strangers are seen as someone who have come to reign chaos in the homelands of the local populace.Another reason is the increase in competition for jobs because of the incoming 'aliens'. The locals, along with the already existing competition, have to further face steep odds owing to the influx of foreigners. Even in case of the ones who are already employed, replacements are available, rather easily. Thus, foreigners become a threat to their jobs.
There can be a presence of 'one bad apple' among the incoming populace. But generalizing one negative experience from one foreigner or a bunch of them, and applying it to every stranger leads to xenophobia. Further, this hatred is passed along among the locals. Along with this, the hatred towards foreigners can be a reciprocated reaction when the roles were reversed.
The incoming strangers are also deemed as a danger to the culture, traditions, and customs of the locals. This is also the reason for the spread of xenophobia, as foreigners are seen as a threat to the local heritage and legacy. The migrations result in sharing of resources, including the natural ones, which can lead to a stress on the economy and the general lifestyle of the natives.
Xenophobic people find it stressful when they are exposed to the cultures or people that are unknown to them or they perceive as strange. They are anxious when dealing with people they are not comfortable with, and try to establish a supremacy over them. Those who are xenophobic do not easily trust, are hostility in their behavior, and can get abusive when dealing with those whom they hate or are afraid of.One of the social impacts of Xenophobia is that it breeds an atmosphere of hostility and distrust in society. This can lead to the decline in the number of migrants to that particular society. This, in turn, has a negative impact on the economy, that will be deprived of the influx of talent and resources.
“The three most important factors contributing to xenophobic violence are political leadership, lack of conflict resolution processes, and very few prosecutions.
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