Doesn't everyone suffer a little Xenophobia when it comes to immigration?

Question

I'm not pointing fingers or even saying it's a bad thing because I think most people do suffer from it to some extent. I'm not ashamed to admit I do. I don't hate immigrants but sometimes I find certain things about them that frighten me or mystify me. I think it's a natural reaction to the unknown aspects of their culture etc. I'm sure those immigrating must also have some of those feelings. I believe it's a very human reaction. Am I off base or have you felt that way too? Do you feel it's a normal reaction and why or why not?

Answer 1

It's a natural reaction! I get the same reaction with some white girls, especially when the bar is closing.......LOL

Calm down people! it's a joke! You have to laugh every once in a while, don't we?

Answer 2

i can honestly say i dont

Answer 3

i think that the fact that you think that this is normal shows that you're narrow-minded. when i go abroad i am completely fascinated by other people's culture and at the same time i keep hoping people will treat me well and see that underneath all the differences we are the same. usually i am not disappointed. it is the same thing when people come to my country.

if you treat them with respect and humanity and quit watching them with fear and suspicion, they'll return the favor. it is your own paranoia topped with the fact that you think that it is normal that makes everybody around you look scary. so what if they are not the same color as you? or if they have a different language or religion?

i can tell you from experience that i am completely sure that if you treat me well and as an equal, i'll do the same. if you're suspicious i'll be completely annoyed and if you hate me, trust me i'll hate you right back. this isn't good either and i admit it. at least i recognize my failure in the fact that i can't be better than you and let it go. but that is not the point here except to point out that most of time, you'll receive the same thing you give. i just want to say that you should really reconsider your opinion and think about what i said.

i've had the great opportunity to travel a lot and trust me when i say that we really are the same. we make friends the same way and ennemies the same way too. and of course we, as a species, share the o so magnificent trait, that makes us more likely to point fingers at others and blame them for all our problems than  look at ourselves and try to correct our behavior.

here's an example: everybody is pointing fingers at china because of all their censorship, not even realizing than we are doing the same in the US. they are just doing it more publicly AND they've got more than a billion people to lead and that's not easy. does that give us the right to blame them? what about Tibet? i'm not defending them but i'm just pointing out that the US are doing even worse in Iraq! and for what? no it doesen't give us the right to blame them, not unless we become perfect ourselves. then, maybe, we can pass judgement at others. and that was just ONE example, i've got tons of them. tons of example for every country i have visited too. nobody is perfect.

it is the same thing with immigrants. are you any better? why should you fear/hate them? because your culture is better? look at yourself, you are far from perfect.

but hey, if you really feel that scared and hateful, you should either take a trip around the world and see for yourself how welcome americans are (there is a reason for that), that should open your eyes a bit OR just go to bed and hide under your blanket because things are changing and you better get used to it. this country is in recession, everybody can see that, and its mainly because of the action of millions of people like you (or lack thereof).

don't let others brainwash you. if you know ay immigrants, talk to them yourself and give them a chance before passing any judgment. after all, moving into a new country and being on your own is stressful enough. they don't need your suspicion.

Answer 4

I agree with the others, I think you are completely off base here.  I have never had that reaction.  However, I have known and met many people in the U.S. just like you.  In fact, I believe xenophobia is a culturally acceptable thing here, especially with white America.  Many people I have encountered are not even aware of this behavior, so I have to give you a thumbs up based on your awareness of your hate.  I also find that this fear, prejudice, hate is more directed towards persons who have come from non-European countries.  In fact, I think xenophobia does not really cover the basis of this form of prejudice.

Realize that immigrants are human beings.  You share many things with them, in fact a lot of the things you buy, consume, eat do come from foreign countries.  Cliche as it is this country is a country of immigrants.  Just Google one of your favorite actors and I guarantee you one of them is an immigrant.  The things that frighten you or mystify you, do yourself a favor, and educate yourself on it, but first try to understand why it has this effect on you.  

I do not think that fear is the normal reaction that people have to other cultures (unknown to them), precisely because for thousands of years an overwhelming majority of these cultures have been interacting with one another (trading, marrying, warring with one another, helping, etc.) and they find it normal (anticipate) to interact with others.  

Good question.  You addressed a very important issue.

BTW:  Dirty Martini.  Your comment is the very definition of xenophobia.  Xenophobia is FEAR of the FOREIGNER.  So if you are "uncomfortable surrounded by people who don’t speak English."  you are afraid.  You carry prejudice with you.  Also if you "fear your job being taken by somebody else who will work for less.", FEAR need I say more.  

It is not self-preservation to live in fear.  It is counterproductive.  Animals in the wild that are afraid get eaten.  People who are afraid do not prosper.  Just ask the top 1% money makers of this country.  Ask the top corporations of this country.  If they were afraid of the foreigner they would not be able to interact with the other countries they do work with that has helped them amass the wealth they have.

Don't sell yourself short.  No, heck  live in fear, so you will be one less person I have to compete with and one extra person who will work for me.

Maybe, I am a bit bias.  I am a first generation America (meaning my parents immigrated to this country).  I find  people like you highly offensive.  I have suffered a great deal of inequity because of people like you because people assume I am not a U.S. citizen based on the ethnic origin of my name.  Its funny tho' because I get the same reactions as a foreigner does and I am an American.  I am also an American who has traveled abroad too and I have been treated well too because I was an American.  I have complete empathy with the foreigner, but yet I understand the U.S. all to well because I am an American.

Krypton: Powerful statement!

Answer 5

No.  Not even close to reality.

It's not  xenophobia  to say you don’t want rampant illegal immigration. It’s not exnophobita to say that you’re uncomfortable surrounded by people who don’t speak English. It’s not xenophobia to fear your job being taken by somebody else who will work for less.

It's called self preservation.  Please do not confuse the two.

Answer 6

Not I.

I welcome and celebrate all immigrants who come to this country legally. I admire those who have the perseverance and character to go through the process of obtaining legal resident status.

I despise those who come into the country illegally, and expect special status and privilege.

Answer 7

I just met an immigrant here for 42 years who knew no ENGLISH!! why, because he lived in a hispanic enclave and never was forced to learn english...now thats ridiculous....and BTW he was on the public dole for health and finaincial assistance...!!!

Answer 8

Well i'm an american living in mexico and seems to me like mexican go absolutely terrified to the u.s because they don't know how people will treat them but once they get to know each other they realize that we are very similar  

Answer 9

off base.  i am absolutely fascinated by anyone from anywhere else.

i probably get on their nerves asking about how different it must be, where they're from.  i think other cultures are just the coolest things.

i've traveled a little and they've been the best experiences of my life.