Xenophobia: Definition & Examples
In present day we hear a lot about people being xenophobic, but what exactly does that mean? This lesson will discuss xenophobia, its symptoms, and some examples.
Xenophobia is Not Racism
Many people use the word ‘xenophobia’ when referring to other people that they believe are racist, using the words xenophobe and racist as synonymous with each other. However, they are not synonyms even if some of the behaviors are the same.
Racism means that a specific race dislikes and looks down upon other races because they feel superior. For example, racism could be people in Australia feeling superior to ones in New Zealand.
Xenophobia actually means to fear or dislike other races, cultures, ways of life, and people not similar to one’s own. Xenophobia essentially translates to ”fear of strangers”. Xenophobia includes straight people being afraid and disapproving of gay people.
It is important to keep in mind that xenophobia has this name for a reason. Note the ‘-phobia’ suffix, like claustrophobia (fear of confined spaces) or arachnophobia (fear of arachnids like spiders). This phobia can make people act out in response to uncomfortable situations that elicit strong emotional responses. This specific phobia is one of the few that can result in violence and abuse towards others. But it’s important to note that as a type of psychopathology or emotional affliction, it’s not a choice the way certain racist beliefs are and thus, should not be treated as such.
Symptoms of Xenophobia
Its important to know behaviors and symptoms of xenophobia:
Being afraid to be near people that are not similar
Being angry and volatile near others that are different, even if it is just the culture and not the person
Jumping to conclusions and stereotypes about others seen as different
Inability to trust or create relationships with others that are different
Gaining pleasure from the maltreatment of others that are different
Avoidance of areas where dissimilar people congregate in large groups
Keep in mind that these behaviors are not premeditated, but instead are in reaction to irrational fears that the person has about others. Although the behaviors can be against a certain race, it is not based on race specifically but more an internal fear of others that they don’t understand. This can be a difficult distinction for some since it’s easy to see xenophobic symptoms as just another manifestation of racism. But this is a reductive view and doesn’t help individuals afflicted with this psychological condition.
The reason why people are xenophobic is unknown, much like other phobias. It could be their upbringing, a bad experience, the environment in which they live, or even something like genetic predisposition toward developing phobias. Like everything in psychology, it’s likely a combination of all of these factors.
Treatment
Although the actual cause is unknown there are ways to overcome this phobia. Experiencing other cultures and ideas can help educate on a subject and make it less unknown (scary) and foster understanding. Traveling and experiencing new things, even if those things are not related to xenophobic tendencies, can still open minds and create a better appreciation for the unknown.
Seeking out counseling from a professional, especially one who is an expert in treating phobias, is the best way to treat severe cases. A mental health practitioner can help to figure out what triggers the fear and tackle the underlying issues over a long period of time to reduce symptoms with treatments, such as different levels of exposure therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Examples of Xenophobia
It’s likely people come in contact with xenophobia more than they think, and attribute it to racism. However, here are a few examples to show xenophobic treatment so it is easier to assess.
Example 1
Let’s start with small-town student, Anne, that has never left the county where she lives. She goes to a large high school but it is mostly filled with other small-town students. A new student, Molly, starts school and has been all over the world. Anne finds that she is avoiding Molly, distrusts everything she says, and gets angry when her other friends hang out with her. This behavior escalates until Anne attacks Molly in the hallway because she is angry and scared of who Molly is.
Obviously, this is not about race, even if Molly weren’t the same race as Ann, though that would likely play a part if she were. This is purely the fear of one student and her inability to understand the new student and her culture, which means the student may suffer from xenophobia.
Looking for a Similar Assignment? Order now and Get 10% Discount! Use Coupon Code “Newclient”
The post Xenophobia: Definition & Examples appeared first on Superb Professors.
For any questions, feedback, or comments, we have an ethical customer support team that is always waiting on the line for your inquiries.