WHAT IS XENOPHOBIA? FULL EXPLANATION.

WHAT IS XENOPHOBIA?

The term “xenophobia” (Oxford English Dictionary, n.d.) means “fear of, or hostility toward foreigners, people of different cultures, or strangers.” It comes from the Greek words “xenos” (foreigner or stranger) and “phobos” (fear). South Africa has a traceable history with xenophobia, and it has been especially prevalent towards African immigrants from other nations. The purpose of this study is to give a synopsis of the current understanding of xenophobia in South Africa, including its definitions, historical context, causes, manifestations, and potential remedies.

GENESIS OF XENOPHOBIA.

It was during the apartheid era (1948-1994) of systematic racial segregation and discrimination that xenophobia first emerged in South Africa (Clark & Worger, 2013). During this time, the government of South Africa enacted laws that granted more freedom to the white minority at the expense of the black majority and other non-white communities (Clark & Worger, 2013). White South Africans were given a sense of superiority and taught to look down on non-white immigrants as a result of these practices (Crush & Tawodzera, 2014).

Political and social transformations, such as the installation of a democratic administration and the repeal of discriminatory legislation, were ushered in with the end of apartheid in 1994 (Clark & Worger, 2013). In spite of this, xenophobic sentiments and actions remain because of apartheid’s lingering effects on South African culture (Crush & Tawodzera, 2014).

Why Xenophobia in South Africa?

Several reasons contribute to South Africa’s high rate of xenophobia. These are some of the more important ones:

Business rivalry: There is more rivalry for jobs and few resources because of the high unemployment and poverty in South Africa (Crush & Tawodzera, 2014). Foreigners are sometimes blamed for stealing employment and chances from locals in South Africa due to this competitive environment (Harris, 2002).

Disparities in society and culture: Misunderstandings and conflicts between South Africans and foreign nationals can arise from linguistic and cultural barriers (Harris, 2002). Foreign nationals may be seen as a danger to South Africans’ sense of cultural unity and identity by some.

Political Agenda: Politicians and other public figures may play on people’s fears about foreigners in order to win votes or deflect criticism of their own governments’ actions (Crush & Tawodzera, 2014). For instance, they could hold immigrants responsible for crime, joblessness, and other issues (Harris, 2002).

Misrepresentation in the Media: There is evidence that media coverage that stereotypes or otherwise presents foreigners in an unfavorable light can contribute to the spread of xenophobia (Danso & McDonald, 2001).

Emergence of Xenophobia in South Africa.

In South Africa, xenophobia can take many shapes, from open hostility and prejudice to overt acts of violence and even murder. Among the most noticeable symptoms are:

Brutal assaults: South Africa has experienced a rise in xenophobic violence during the early 2000s, with many instances targeting foreign nationals and their companies (Crush & Tawodzera, 2014). Thousands of people were displaced and scores were killed in the worst epidemics in 2008 and 2015 (Misago, 2016).

Inclusion/exclusion bias: Discrimination against foreign nationals is widespread in South Africa (Crush & Tawodzera, 2014), affecting areas such as employment, housing, and access to public services. The perpetrators of this bias might come in the form of individuals, organizations, or even official government policy (Danso & McDonald, 2001).

Profiling and hateful language: Hate speech, name-calling, and the reinforcement of false beliefs about people from other countries are all signs of xenophobia (Danso & McDonald, 2001). According to research by Crush and Tawodzera (2014), this can exacerbate bias and make life more difficult for foreign nationals.

What to do to End Xenophobia.

A comprehensive strategy is needed to combat xenophobia in South Africa, one that addresses the phenomenon in all its forms. Possible answers include:

Educating the Public: Crush and Tawodzera (2014) argue that education and public awareness efforts that promote understanding and tolerance can assist to combat stereotypes and build good views towards foreign nationals.

Addressing economic competition: Tensions between South Africans and foreigners can be reduced by tackling issues like unemployment and poverty, which are at the heart of economic competitiveness (Harris, 2002).

Amendment of policy: Combating xenophobia requires ensuring that government policies and procedures do not discriminate against foreign nationals and instead promote social cohesiveness (Danso & McDonald, 2001).

Professional media coverage: It is possible to combat xenophobia by encouraging responsible press coverage that avoids reinforcing stereotypes and instead focuses on fostering understanding and tolerance (Danso & McDonald, 2001).

It will need the combined efforts of many parties—including the government, civic society, and individual citizens—to address the complicated and deeply established problem of xenophobia in South Africa. By working to eliminate xenophobia in all its forms, we can build a society that embraces difference and protects the civil liberties of all its citizens.

References

Clark, N. L., & Worger, W. H. (2013). South Africa: The rise and fall of apartheid. Routledge.

Crush, J., & Tawodzera, G. (2014). Medical xenophobia and Zimbabwean migrant access to public health services in South Africa. Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 40(4), 655-670.

Danso, R., & McDonald, D. A. (2001). Writing xenophobia: Immigration and the print media in post-apartheid South Africa. Africa Today, 48(3), 115-137.

Harris, B. (2002). Xenophobia: A new pathology for a new South Africa? In D. Hook & G. Eagle (Eds.), Psychopathology and social prejudice (pp. 169-184). University of Cape Town Press.

Misago, J. P. (2016). Responding to xenophobic violence in post-apartheid South Africa: Barking up the wrong tree? African Human Mobility Review, 2(1), 332-356.

Oxford English Dictionary. (n.d.). Xenophobia. Retrieved from https://www.oed.com/view/Entry/230984

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