Xenophobia

This week in my Sociology of Multicultural America class we talked about xenophobia. That scary word that no one is really sure what it means but have probably been accused of it a time or two. Xenophobia is undue fear of a person, group, change, or difference. The key word to remember in this is undue, meaning without reason. Unfortunately there has been a lot of change in our society, good and bad, that has rattled some people or been cause for celebration for others.

I think this matters because there are a lot of changes and new things happening in our society. Change can be very scary to some people. Also in today's society the media seems to have to much control over what we think or perceive of other groups. Unfortunately for us, the media is no longer concerned about getting the best and most accurate information out there. This is their business. So they have to put whatever will get heads to turn or more views on their page and twist the information they're given.

I think it is important to be sure that you go out to try to inform yourself, and then at that point can make an action call. I think a lot of the undue fear comes simply from not taking in multiple perspectives. I will find the most accurate sources I can when looking for my news. I will be sure that if there is something to fear that I'm sure about and not just making assumptions.