Xenophobia is fundamentally defined as the fear and contempt of that which is perceived as foreign or strange. This encompasses strangers, foreigners, foreign cultures, and anything designated as not belonging to one’s own group. At its core, xenophobia is more than just a dislike; it’s a deep-seated conviction that foreign entities represent a tangible threat to the identity and integrity of one’s own nation or society. This belief often extends to the idea that those deemed foreign are inherently incapable of peacefully integrating into the existing social fabric. The term itself has roots in ancient Greek, combining “xenos,” meaning “stranger,” and “phobos,” meaning “fear,” aptly capturing the essence of this complex prejudice. Xenophobia suggests a perception where integration is not just unlikely but impossible, and that the foreign element actively undermines the established societal norms and values.
Throughout history, the manifestations of xenophobia have been diverse and devastating. It has fueled discrimination and violence against a wide array of groups based on religion and ethnicity. Racist attacks, the organized hatred promoted by extremist groups, and the horrific acts of genocide are all extreme outcomes rooted in xenophobic ideologies. A particularly enduring and tragic example of xenophobia is anti-Semitism, the hostility and discrimination directed at Jewish people as both a religious and ethnic group. The Holocaust stands as a chilling testament to the ultimate consequences of xenophobia, where the systematic extermination of Jewish citizens, alongside Roma people and other minority groups, was carried out by the Nazi regime. This historical event underscores the deadly potential of unchecked xenophobia.
Japan’s historical policy of sakoku, meaning “closed country,” provides another significant example of xenophobia in action. Implemented in the 1630s and lasting until 1853, this policy was driven by Japanese rulers’ growing suspicion that Christianity posed a threat to their authority. After attempts to suppress Christianity within Japan proved insufficient, the government enacted a series of strict laws. These laws effectively barred most foreigners from entering Japan and prohibited Japanese citizens from leaving and returning, aiming to isolate the nation from perceived foreign influence and maintain internal control.
In the contemporary world, xenophobia remains a pervasive issue. Global migration and the influx of refugees, often fleeing conflict zones or seeking economic stability, have triggered xenophobic reactions in many host countries. This backlash is particularly noticeable in regions like Europe and the United States, where anxieties about national identity and resource allocation are often intertwined with anti-immigrant sentiment. Far-right political movements in these areas have openly promoted xenophobic views, advocating for exclusionary policies and tapping into public fears about cultural change and societal security. Islamophobia, a specific form of xenophobia targeting Muslims, has become particularly prominent in Europe since the September 11 attacks in 2001. Proponents of Islamophobia argue that Muslim religious practices and beliefs are inherently incompatible with the dominant culture, mirroring historical anti-Semitic arguments and portraying Muslims as a threat to societal cohesion. Similarly, in the United States, both Islamophobia and discrimination against migrants from Latin America have become entrenched in political discourse, reflecting ongoing xenophobic undercurrents. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated xenophobia in the 2020s, leading to a surge in anti-Asian discrimination and violence globally. Originating in China, the virus outbreak fueled pre-existing prejudices, resulting in discriminatory actions against people of Asian descent worldwide. This pandemic-driven xenophobia was not limited to Western countries; within China itself, foreigners also faced increased discrimination, highlighting the global reach and adaptability of xenophobic attitudes in times of crisis and fear.
