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Xenophobia

Definition

Xenophobia is the fear or hatred of foreigners, people from different cultures, or strangers. It can manifest itself in many ways including prejudice, discrimination, and violence.

Analogy

Think of xenophobia like a person who only likes one flavor of ice cream and refuses to try any other flavors. They have an irrational fear that all other flavors will be bad without giving them a chance.

Related terms

Nativism: This is the policy of protecting the interests of native-born or established inhabitants against those of immigrants. It's like favoring original residents over newcomers in a neighborhood.

Racism: This is prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one's own race is superior. It's similar to believing your school team is always better than others simply because it's yours.

Ethnocentrism: This refers to judging another culture solely by the values and standards of one's own culture. Imagine thinking your family’s way of celebrating holidays is the only right way and everyone else’s traditions are wrong.