RealTalk – Xenophobia – Take Away Points

Thanks to everyone who participated in our first RealTalk discussion! We hope that this event was an enriching experience and a portal for positive change. Below are some take away points from the discussion that we would like to share.

• Definition of Xenophobia- Xenophobia [zen-uh-foh-bee-uh] is an unreasonable fear, distrust, or hatred of strangers, foreigners, or anything perceived as foreign or different. – http://www.dictionary.com

• We can find xenophobia within cultures; it’s not only an outside force. This can cause intra-discrimination which in turn causes division among a culture.

• We have to see beyond an individual’s ethnicity, gender, age, religion, socio-economic status, and sexual orientation and evaluate them based on their character. Are they honest, dependable, or exhibit integrity?

• True change begins within. We need to confront and overcome any unreasonable fears we have against anything/anyone foreign or different. Also, we need to challenge others to do the same when they exhibit xenophobic behavior.

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi