Defeat Xenophobia

Xenophobia is the fear of strangers. People who look different, speak a different language or have different customs can appear frightening to those who are used to only one ethnic group, lifestyle or set of behaviors. But xenophobia can be overcome, and the key is education. If you're trying to help someone defeat xenophobia, here are some steps you can take.

Steps

 * 1) Identify the group or groups that are inspiring the fear. If it's all groups other than one's own, skip to step three.
 * 2) Find out what aspects of the other group are scary. Is it skin color?  Accent? Religious practice? Stereotypes about behaviors?
 * 3) Avoid being confrontational or telling the person that they are wrong or bad to be afraid.
 * 4) Pick one or two specific points to focus on to start.
 * 5) Introduce a few non-threatening facts about the feared group or one of the feared groups. For instance, if a Catholic is afraid of Muslims, you might mention that Muslims really revere Mary.  Or that they recognize Jesus as a great teacher. Present these in a "wow, isn't this interesting?" style rather than as a point of persuasion.
 * 6) Expect negative reactions to the facts you offer. Let it go. Don't argue.
 * 7) Wait a few days, then point out an interesting article about the feared group working with the favored group in some way. For instance, if someone is afraid of people who speak a different language, find an article about a group that speaks the other language working with people of familiar languages at a local literacy project.
 * 8) If you know someone in the feared group well, see if you can invite them to a party or dinner where the other person will be. Let your friend know what you are hoping to accomplish.  Most people are more than willing to help someone overcome fears and misunderstanding.
 * 9) Ask your friend if they have any specific ideas they have seen work.
 * 10) Be prepared for negative reactions. Make light of them when they occur. Don't mock them, but act as though you "know" the comments were made in jest.  This might give the fearful person time to save face and get to know the stranger.
 * 11) Offer delicious food choices from the feared group's cuisine. For instance, if someone loves desserts, and is afraid of Asians, make a special Asian dessert.  Once they're enjoying it, you can offer the recipe with the Asian name.  Creating positive associations can go a long way towards reducing xenophobia.
 * 12) Don't give up. Overcoming xenophobia can take a long time.  Keep offering positive contacts, information and cultural exposure in small doses.
 * 13) Never push or demand, and above all never belittle the person for their fears. No one learns when they feel attacked and misunderstood.

Tips

 * If you are suffering from xenophobia, ask a trusted friend or relative to help you through some of the steps above. The world is a wonderful place when you're not afraid.
 * Some schools have international clubs.
 * If you can, try to introduce the person to international news channels.

Warnings

 * If the fear arises from a traumatic incident in the person's past, treatment is best left to a professional.

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Assist Recently Liberated Arabs
 * How to Appreciate Rosa Parks
 * How to Appreciate Benazir Bhutto
 * How to Appreciate Martin Luther King, Jr.
 * How to Appreciate Barack Obama