On August 16th, 2015, republican presidential candidate frontrunner Donald Trump announced his immigration policy which included building a wall between the United States and Mexico. Obviously, this would make immigration more difficult to take place between the two countries, but is this what is best for America? Is this what we should do? Does this coincide with the principles the United States was founded on? The answer to all three of the previous questions is a definitive no. The fact that this idea has support behind it showcases the xenophobic nature of the American people.
By definition, xenophobia is the intense or irrational dislike of people from other countries. So why is America so xenophobic? This animosity is produced by hyperpatriotism and the idea that the USA is superior to all other nations. This fictitious concept has created a society of xenophobic citizens. We are taught to see anyone from any other nation (and for many, any other ethnicity) as below us, even labeling them. We all know someone who calls all Latinx people “wetbacks” and all Middle Eastern people “terrorists” and says “merica” at the end of every other sentence. While not all Americans act as such, their presence definitely rubs off on us all.
So how is the xenophobia of the USA affecting everyone? Some American politicians (example: Donald Trump) are working to close off America from the rest of the world, excluding citizens of other countries to come into the United States. Specifically, Mexico. Many argue that Mexican citizens should simply take the legal immigration precautions, but for many of them, it is not that simple. For some, the only way to safely cross into America is “illegally.” But no person is illegal. Instead of ignoring their hardships, we should help them acquire better lives.
Another example of xenophobia in America is around Middle Easterners and followers of Islam. Following the tragedy that took place on September 11th, 2001, the Muslim people have been demonized. The actions of few have negatively labeled many. For the past fourteen years, the media has produced xenophobic propaganda, displaying messages such as “keep terrorists off our homeland.” In result of this, many American citizens see Muslims as a threat. We can see this happen everywhere, but especially at airports when a man wearing a turban or a woman wearing a hijab is “randomly” selected for intensive search at the security line. Labeling anyone, regardless of their official nationality, as a “terrorist” is perpetuating racism and xenophobia in America.
So how do we diminish the xenophobic nature of the USA? It’s quite simple: be welcoming! Instead of deterring immigrants from moving to the United States, encourage it! As American citizens, we need to embrace the diversity of our nation. Keeping everyone out of our borders is going against what our nation was founded on and stands for.
America was started to be an inclusive country of freedom, allowing all to be who they want to be without consequence. While we have hit some bumps in the road since colonization, we have to reestablish this freedom. We also must end stereotyping of citizens from other countries; no American enjoys the overweight and lazy stereotype about them, so we shouldn’t do it to others. America is a melting pot of cultures, religions, and ethnicities, and if we want to continue to be labeled as such, we must embrace inclusiveness and acceptance. Let’s keep America diverse and awesome (and keep Donald Trump out of the White House).
