Xenophobia and racism are closely related terms, and sometimes we use them interchangeably. However, they mean different things of Xenophobia and can appear in different ways.

A person does not actually have to be from another place or culture to be the target of xenophobia. People may distrust or hate others based solely on assumptions about their accent, appearance, or behavior.

Racism may also play a role in this. Racism is discrimination based on a person’s race or ethnicity, which people sometimes use as a justification for xenophobia towards immigrants of certain backgrounds.

Going into the origin of this word we find that it simply means “fear of strangers.” It can also be interpreted as a fear of the “foreigner”. Although this can be seen as fear, in some cases it also manifests as hatred. The “foreigner” will likely be ostracized, discriminated against, considered inferior, and classified as “other.”

Xenophobia can be implicit or explicit, and there are two types of xenophobia; Xenophobia of immigrants and xenophobia of culture.

1- Immigrant xenophobia: dislike or fear of people who are immigrants, or perceived to be immigrants. Anti-immigration policies are a manifestation of this type of xenophobia.

2- Cultural xenophobia: dislike or hostility towards different cultures. Believing that products, foods, or movies from other cultures are inferior to one’s culture is an example of this.

It may be surprising to learn that many of those who engage in xenophobia as a form of oppression do so knowingly for their own benefit. One is to retain some groups of power while disempowering others.

Xenophobia can arise from racism, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, and other forms of oppression, which can foster xenophobia towards specific outside groups. There are many complex factors that contribute to this methodological formulation. And those groups can be motivated by:

• Power: Political leaders sometimes use xenophobia as a tool to get votes.
• Insecurity: Several studies show that perceived insecurity plays a significant role in xenophobia.
• Greed: Sometimes, resources aren’t scarce – they’re just highly valuable and can’t be shared.
• Lack of diversity: People from areas with low immigration or diversity may feel uncertain about the arrival of people who seem different to them.
• Education: When schools do not teach students about different cultures and religions or avoid discussing the impact of immigration on a country’s history.
• Fear of strangers: Some experts believe that xenophobia may have some basis, but prejudice is something a person learns from others, which means it is not inevitable.

In May 2022, the US Department of Justice published a special report aimed at raising awareness of hate crimes against communities of color during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report showed that hate crimes increased in 2020 to their highest level in 12 years, with crimes and incidents against Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and others increasing.

Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. The actual number is believed to be even higher, as many hate crimes – including verbal harassment and physical assaults – go unreported due to a number of factors ranging from cultural and language barriers to a lack of trust in law enforcement.

In the early days of the pandemic, Jonathan Mok, a Singaporean college student, reported that he was punched and clapped on the street in London. His hunters shouted, “We don’t want your coronavirus in our country,” he told the BBC. Mok posted photos of his injured face on social media, writing, “Racism is not stupidity – racism is hate. Racist hate is self.” Constantly looking for excuses to expose – and in this current backdrop of the coronavirus, they’ve got yet another.

Racism is not stupidity — racism is hate. Racists constantly find excuses to expound their hatred — and in this current backdrop of the coronavirus, they’ve found yet another excuse.

The global racial justice movement, Black Lives Matter, was nominated for the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize for its fight against racism and racially motivated violence. “BLM’s call for systemic change has spread around the world, prompting other countries to grapple with racism in their own societies,” Norwegian MP Petter Eid said in his nomination letter. Meanwhile, migrants and refugees – some of whom are literally fleeing for their lives – are facing suspicion and hostility....

5 WAYS TO FIGHT RACISM AND XENOPHOBIA: Gould saw food as a way to bridge the divide between people of different ethnic backgrounds. Learning about other cultures emphasizes the fact that we are all people and sends the message that racism and xenophobia will not be tolerated in a civilized society. As people, as parents, as citizens of the world, it is our job to combat racism and xenophobia wherever we can. Here are five ways:

Show your support for the diverse ethnic groups in your community by attending, promoting, or helping with events run by local organizations and houses of worship that bring people together: festivals, film series, guest lectures, language festivals, etc. classes and functions. bring your kids.

Stand up for cultural diversity and inclusion by supporting local businesses run by immigrants. Try foods and dishes from different culinary traditions. Watch films from other countries with your Children and tell them stories that celebrate diversity.

Stigmatization is cruel and unproductive. There has been a worrying rise in hate speech among Americans and Europeans in recent years, who often blame immigrant and minority groups for their countries’ difficulties. If you hear someone tell a racist joke, speak up and let them know that stereotypes are not harmless. Tell your kids that they should feel free to do the same. normalizing dangerous ideas And there’s nothing funny about using “humor” to perpetuate an ugly stereotype.

If you see something in the paper or on social media that reflects prejudice, write a letter to the editor or leave a comment to let others know that intolerant comments are unkind and unnecessary.

Prejudice and hatred are not innate. They are learned behaviors – and they can be unlearned. Children absorb prejudices from the adults around them and from the media, books, and their peers. So set a good example. The process of countering negativities with positivity begins at an early age. Talking about differences does not increase prejudice in children. Make sure children understand that we are all human and that we all need to be safe and Have the right to feel valued. Name-calling is rude and will not be allowed.

When the public stands in solidarity with immigrants and marginalized groups, the bullies lose their power. If you see someone being harassed or physically attacked, it is important to help if you can do so safely. Register your presence as a witness. Make eye contact with the person being attacked and ask if they want support. Don’t escalate the situation. verbal and physical Abuse is wrong and should not be tolerated. All people deserve to be treated with respect and humanity.

SACH has highlighted and tirelessly advocated for the rights of children across Pakistan for 15 years and knows that children should be treated as children first. During this global crisis, it is more important than ever that we all stand in solidarity with each other. Human rights are a collective promise made by all the countries of the world, including those in crisis. children of all ethnic backgrounds. – Especially children who have been uprooted by violence, war and poverty – they need our support, wherever they are. Every child deserves to be treated with humanity and compassion and to grow up in a safe and healthy environment.

Please support SACH’s work to save and protect children around the world.