is for xenophobia
Phobias are persistent irrational fears of specific objects, activities or situations.
Some seem silly and harmless with little impact on day-to-day life.
But there are phobias that are terrible, frightening and life-altering.
Xenophobia is one of those that seems to be rampant today.
It is a fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers, their politics or cultures.
The fear or dislike of the customs or traditions of people different from oneself.
Why fear or hate someone you probably don’t know?
Is this simply narrow-mindedness and preconceived notions?
Or is it prejudice and discrimination based on ignorance?
This is not a lighthearted fun post.
I didn’t start out to write something so heavy and serious.
Reading about xenophobia made me think and question.
In truth, there are people I don’t like because of their politics or beliefs.
I may not understand or agree with them but I do not hate them.
They have a right to their opinions and thoughts even if different than mine.
After reading the above I was going to delete it all and start over.
Just be my usual laid-back happy self…but my heart hurts.
I had to write these words.
Be someone who accepts those who are different and does not tolerate xenophobia.
Sometime, reading the newspaper or dwelling on such intense thoughts, makes me feel very disheartened. You poem – it is so true and reflected in daily life.
Seema Misra – #AtoZchallenge participant, Artist, Writer, Wanderer, and Dreamer.
X-tacy of travel: An Ode To Wanderlust
The media does seem to dwell on the ugly parts of people more than on the beauty. It is important to see the good in front of us while not ignoring the bad. Thanks for visiting. I will be by to see you this week. 🙂
Thanks, Patricia 🙂
It is impossible to be a disciple of Jesus and willingly embrace xenophobia. Spiritually we are the stranger, the alien, as this world is not our home. If God is whispering to us about something, it might be time to submit to him everytime such a thing rears its ugly head. It is part of our old nature, not our new self. And we all pack our old nature with us until Jesus comes back.
Peace to you my sister. Great blog.
I wonder if those who “willingly embrace xenophobia” really know what they are doing or why? Sometimes ways are accepted because that’s all that is known from childhood. Of course, you are so right that being a disciple of Jesus makes xenophobia impossible but only because He keeps us awake and aware of what we feel and do.
Happy to see you here, G. Hope you and your sweetheart are well.
Have a fabulous day and weekend. ♥
The weekend was wonderful…hope yours was, too.
It’s a different world then it used to be. There are times I feel the need to reach out to others yet I am afraid to. It seems too many people hide behind fake identities.
I know what you mean. It is can be scary out there. 😦
Your heart hurts writing these words. You’re the sweetest Patricia. By the way, the pictures accompanying A to Z are amazing. Always so perfect a lead of what’s to come. Only 2 left. Will be sad when you get to Z been enjoying them so.
I just wrote tomorrows “z” post. It’s fun to be part of the challenge but with z I am ready for the end. Of course, there is next year…Lord willing and if the creek don’t rise.
I’m about to tune in to the grand finale. 🙂
I’m trying to comment on Z and WordPress won’t let me. sigh Let me say again, how much I’ve enjoyed reading A to Z, and still hope you compile them in a collection. They’re so very special. Susannah
Nice write, You don’t have this fear on your own, I have the same feeling, but I didn’t know there was a name for it. I never go anywhere by my self without my husband, also never look at the face of a person in case they think I’m starring and attack me, needless to say, people, I know think I’m a snob.
Things are rarely what they seem. Shyness, nervousness, fear of disappointing all come across as shunning whomever. I’m perceived as a snob often because I can’t hear. Seems as if I’m not interested. So not the case. 🙂
Feeling uncomfortable with strangers is not the same as xenophobia. It is natural and a good thing to take care when in unfamiliar places and with people you don’t know. It can be a scary world and it is wise to be cautious.