Some call it the fear of strangers; some say it’s the fear of foreigners; some say it’s not fear but rather hatred towards people for some it’s a mental disorder. There are also those who claim it’s not even a real phenomenon. This makes Xenophobia a subject of debate, and this article aims to provide informative insights. For some psychologists, Xenophobia qualifies as a mental disorder, but it actually overlaps with various forms of prejudice, including racism, discrimination, and homophobia. It can even lead to violence, making Xenophobia a controversial and debatable aspect of an individual’s psyche.
In social psychology, there’s a concept known as group formation. Regardless of the specifics, there always exists an in-group and an out-group within a society, whether based on caste, creed, nationality, religion, or anything individuals have in common. What a xenophobe, at their core, believes is that there’s a conflict between the individual’s in-group and the out-group. As a result, they may exhibit defensive or offensive behaviors towards people in the out-group, sometimes even showing hostility towards specific ethnic groups, and in severe cases, it can lead to violence.
All of this can raise several questions, such as:
- How is Xenophobia different from Racism?
- How do we consider Xenophobia as a mental disorder?
- What causes Xenophobia?
Now, I’m going to answer each of these questions, starting with differentiating Xenophobia from Racism, which is a topic of controversy
Xenophobia Vs Racism
The very name and etymology suggest the difference: Racism is very specific toward race and ethnicity, whereas Xenophobia is discrimination against anyone perceived as a foreigner. For example, let me illustrate how Xenophobia and Racism both speak different languages:
Xenophobia: ” Man, I don’t want these foreigners, these immigrants here; they are taking our jobs and changing our lifestyles. They don’t belong here.”
Racism: These People of the ‘XYZ Race’ are not as intelligent as us, and they should stay separate they corrupt our society” (This is very particular to a specific race; a racist might be welcoming to immigrants of other races but unwelcoming to this specific one.)
Imagine Xenophobia as a society’s security guard that does not allow people from different societies to enter, whereas Racism is a security guard who only permits a specific race to enter and resists a particular one. That’s the difference between Xenophobia and Racism.
Is Xenophobia a Mental Disorders
Well, technically, the answer is no, as it’s not recognized as a mental disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). However, as mentioned earlier, some psychologists argue that it could be considered a mental disorder due to its extremeness, as extreme forms of prejudice often become subtypes of delusional disorders. Nevertheless, others argue that it’s merely a social problem and shouldn’t be categorized as a mental disorder. In my opinion, we should take into account the intensity and level of rationality in Xenophobia. If it is disrupting the harmony of society without substantial and rational reasons according to the normal human psyche, it should be reconsidered as a potential mental disorder.
Types of Xenophobia
This categorization is based on the rejection of objects and the rejection of people, leading to the existence of two types of Xenophobia:
- Cultural Xenophobia: This type rejects objects such as traditions, music, clothing, and other cultural elements associated with individuals from other cultures, groups, or nationalities. There’s a fear of Cultural Assimilation
- Immigrant Xenophobia: This type rejects people who do not belong to the in-group society, meaning they reject individuals with different religions, nationalities, or backgrounds.
What can cause Xenophobia
The following are potential causes that can induce Xenophobia or tendencies similar to it:
- Globalization: As national boundaries become increasingly blurred, leading to higher rates of immigration, people who are accustomed to living within their social circles may feel a sense of identity threat, fear of losing their social status, and concern about job security.
- Media Portrayals and Political Brainwashing: The media plays a significant role in shaping perceptions, and political manipulation can influence how people view minorities and immigrants. Media portrayals can either sway individuals with neutral attitudes to take sides or reinforce existing beliefs and prejudices.
- Fear of the Unknown or Lack of Exposure: Fear of the unfamiliar can contribute to Xenophobia. Individuals who are only exposed to a limited reality within their social bubble may feel threatened by what lies outside it.
- Fear of Competition: Some people may perceive immigrants as economic competitors, viewing them as threats to their well-being and social status. This perception can fuel Xenophobia and hostility towards immigrants.
How to deal with Xenophobia
Let’s consider two scenarios: first, someone around you is Xenophobic, and second, you are struggling with feelings of Xenophobia.
Dealing with Someone Who Is Xenophobic:
- Empathize with them: Acknowledge that change can be challenging, but it can also bring new opportunities and perspectives. Life is relatively short, and broadening our viewpoints can be enriching.
- Share your personal experiences: “Actually, I had an encounter with immigrants, and they were quite friendly towards me.”
- Engage in dialogue: “Could you share a specific issue or any data that supports your viewpoint?” Encouraging a constructive conversation can help understand their perspective better.
Alternatively, if someone is rigid in their beliefs and promotes hate speech, it may be best to avoid engaging in an argument or debate. Keeping a distance might be necessary to protect yourself.
How to Deal if you are struggling with Xenophobic Feelings:
- Start with self-reflection: Begin by acknowledging your biases and fears. Self-awareness is the first step in addressing the issue.
- Challenge your stereotypes: Challenge the practice of generalization and stereotypes by interacting with people from different cultures, building rapport, and recognizing their individuality.
- Educate yourself: Learn about the diversity of cultures and the experiences of the group you may be prejudiced against it can help you to build a level of familiarity
- Seek professional help: If you believe that your feelings of Xenophobia are deeply ingrained, a mental health professional can assist you in working through these issues.