XENOPHOBIA
Though I do not promote or endorse Wikipedia, I will use their ‘definition’ for this term.
Xenophobia is defined as an intense or irrational dislike or fear of people from other countries or as an unreasonable fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers or of that which is foreign or strange. It comes from the Greek words ξÎνος (xenos), meaning "stranger," "foreigner," and φÏŒβος (phobos), meaning "fear."
　
Xenophobia can manifest itself in many ways involving the relations and perceptions of an ingroup towards an outgroup, including a fear of losing identity, suspicion of its activities, aggression, and desire to eliminate its presence to secure a presumed purity. 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".
　
I have had 1-2 people over the years claim that I am ‘xenophobic’. Beyond the silliness of such a claim by someone who is quite possibly unsure of the meaning of the word and the application of such a term in history, I thought I would take a stroll down the path of explaining the differences between people.
　
First, the term ‘irrational’ implies and denotes a fear that is without a basis. What if there is a basis? Not whether you think there is, but what if there really is a basis for a concern, not a fear, but a concern about many countries and their behavior and intention vis a vis other countries? Would that change the application of me as being xenophobic? I would hope so or you would look quite foolish.
The second part of the Wikipedia statement on xenophobia deals with identity and a dismissal of anything critical of the chosen state or culture.
　
Many people would, at first glance, subscribe to the proposition that someone who has visited many countries and lived in many countries would be less likely to be xenophobic. This proposition is false. In fact, people who have been to many countries probably know a great deal more and recognize that some places are not places one would wish to live or ascribe a higher purpose or intention to.
　
I do not dislike people from any country in the world. In fact, I do not dislike any people of any culture or religion by virtue of their being from somewhere else.
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If this is true, how does that fit the definition of "an intense or irrational dislike or fear of people from other countries or as an unreasonable fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers or of that which is foreign or strange"? I have friends who are Jewish, Christian, and Muslim. I have friends who come from more and different countries than I would suggest most students who ever come into my classes ever will have.
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I don’t need to ever defend myself, although people who are limited in their thinking skills should definitely try explaining why they are not so bright, but I will do this because it is something to do, something I will post, and make available for those who need a little help with their analytical thinking process (how to).
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If I have friends from Japan, China, Australia, Philippines, Fiji, Russia, Nepal, Pakistan, India, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Uganda, Gaza and the West Bank, Ukraine, Poland, Bulgaria, Germany, Sweden, Norway, France, England, Spain, Portugal, Ethiopia, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Mexico, and Canada … I have to ask, I like the ‘friends’ I have from these countries and places, and I enjoy hearing about their cultures and history – how can I fear and hate them if I like them? Admittedly, you probably have friends from more than 38 countries so comparatively, I admit, I must be lacking in something. Perhaps a little busy working to make friends from 40 countries or more. I may have even forgot one or two (and if I did I apologize) people / countries.
　
The question then is – would I have friends from 38+ countries if I am afraid of them, fear them, or hate them? Perhaps your word choice is in need of revision, or perhaps you rely upon the second half of the Wikipedia statement as your claim – that I am uncritical of a chosen state or culture.
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The United States has a past that includes slavery, the mass murders of native indigenous populations, the forced relocation, and theft of property and assets of those individuals. Industry and business in America, used the labor of slaves and others to amass great wealth that would later be used by white America at exclusion of slaves and other peoples.
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Have I been critical enough?
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That American imperialism spread, with attempts to take Canada by force, the invasion of Spanish territory a number of times and the acquisition of territories held by the government of Mexico. How about – the US intelligence agencies aided and abetted dictators in suppressing their citizens at the expense of civil liberties in those specific countries. That in several other countries we aided and abetted the toppling of elected governments for our own purposes.
　
Ok. How about that for critical examination of the, I assume – culture to which I hold some xenophobic allegiance.
　
Let’s remind ourselves what Xenophobia is - "an intense or irrational dislike or fear of people from other countries or as an unreasonable fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers" and it can manifest itself as "a fear of losing identity, suspicion of its activities, aggression, and desire to eliminate its presence to secure a presumed purity. 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"."
　
Intense or irrational dislike or fear of people from somewhere else – not if having friends from 38 countries/places counts. They would also be foreigners, just to be clear – as opposed to Americans.
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Fear of losing identity? Well, that is happening so I am not sure it is a fear. A fear can be ungrounded but it could also be founded on something valid and we are losing our identity – no one who claims otherwise is simply paying attention to the reality of the last 40 years.
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Suspicion of, aggression, and desire to eliminate the foreigners and their identity – no. My 38 friends want to stay and I do not mind them here. Their presence is not what causes the loss of identity. Consequently, my concern over our loss of identity is not based upon foreigners or their living in the United States.
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As for the final element within Wikipedia’s statement on xenophobia – an uncritical exaltation of one culture over another. I believe I was reasonably clear about US history.
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Your claim that I am xenophobic or am spreading a fear of the 'other' is slander, which, for those of you unaware of the meaning of slander is defamation or a malicious, false, and defamatory statement or report. Slander in this case was written, and legally nothing written is slander, but for general purposes, slander is defamation of character and stating that I am xenophobic can be construed as slander. It is more clearly libel, for libel is a written statement that is defamatory or that maliciously or damagingly misrepresents. (dictionary.com).
This however does not end the critical analysis of such statements by misinformed or ill-informed individuals.
We will come upon points in the course of our semester that will raise these same claims, repeatedly – in part because; there is a definite good and bad in history. There are also areas that are fuzzy, grayish, and vague.
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If you are afraid of taking a position, which you clearly are not because you judged me very definitively, on an issue, then you will not be able to evaluate critically, the materials necessary to do well in this class and I suggest, right now, that you drop.
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It is unreasonable to remain in this class, for you and for me. It is not your class. I am not forcing you. In addition, for you to remain and slander and or libel me is unethical and silly. Silly to stay and be afflicted by me every day. Unethical because you are being a hypocrite.
Why? Because you believe your opinion represents a more reasonable and ethical view of viewing the world (or your microcosm of a world) and mine does not. THAT is a judgment and inherent in xenophobia is a judgment that others are wrong and you are right and their view of culture or country is not right or good and your view is better or more rational. Welcome to the world of xenophobia.
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Usually the prevailing view of those perpetrators of slander and libel claiming others are (you name the claim) is – the rest of the world is a pretty good place, the US is evil or bad, caused all the problems (or Western Civilization has caused all the problems while the rest of the world just wants to get along). Silly, naïve, and dangerous.
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To explicate every country and its history, to present you with the evidence needed, would take weeks. I choose not to waste my time. You should however do your own investigation – with an open mind and setting aside your judgments and fears. Anything less and you will contribute to the ignorance and fear that allows evil to grow and seize power. In each case where evil does seize power, millions die. Not imaginary millions as in the case of the Iraq war, but real millions.
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I have, quite possibly, lived in more countries than most students have, and visited more countries than a majority of students – even some of those who lob slanderous and libelous claims. Perhaps I have not been to as many countries or lived in as many countries, but certainly very close. I don’t need to explain which ones or why, suffice it to say I am quite sure of my statements above, yet amazingly I return to the United States and know without any doubt it is the best country to live, be free, and have an opportunity for a better life. There is no other country that comes close. If you disagree, I must ask a rather simple question as to why you wish to remain in such an oppressive state. There are many other places you could visit and live – China or Russia, Venezuela maybe, Iran, Egypt, or Afghanistan, maybe even Indonesia, or Japan. So many places, so many chances. Take the initiative and go, toss caution to the wind and live. Go to India and Pakistan, see what I am missing, and prove me wrong. Enjoy your time. Speak your mind. Maybe even protest a little while you are visiting any of those countries. Just a little. Come back and show me I am wrong. I am very open-minded. I will change my mind, if you come back.
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Otherwise, please find another class so you are not subjected to the xenophobia in this class. It is unfair and unreasonable for you to remain. If you need another class, find it. Maybe wait a semester and it will be available.
Remaining in a class you find xenophobic, says a great deal more about you than me.