Xenophobia

Xenophobia—the fear and hatred of foreigners—has been making headlines at an alarming rate as immigration soars worldwide. Many countries are dealing with an influx of people who speak different languages and who hold different cultural traditions and beliefs. In times of rapid change and uncertainty—as well as economic pressure—many citizens resort to xenophobic views to help them justify their fears. Recently these xenophobic attitudes have led to acts of extreme violence in a number of different places, including the United States, Europe, and South Africa. This book examines specific examples of xenophobia, particularly xenophobic violence, in the news in an attempt to explain what xenophobia is, where it comes from, and how it can be combated.