XENOPHOBIA IN AFRICA: ORIGINS AND ITS MANIFESTATIONS

Аннотация

INTRODUCTION Sundstrom (2013), is a profound repulsion, fear, or Xenophobia, derived from the Greek words xenos animosity towards individuals from other and Phobos, denotes apprehension or animosity countries, frequently accompanied by suspicion towards those who are unfamiliar or alien and mistrust based on cultural and ethnolinguistic (Maseng, 2024). Xenophobia, as defined by https://www.theamericanjournals.com/index.php/tajiir 13 THE USA JOURNALS THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INTERDISCIPLINARY INNOVATIONS AND RESEARCH (ISSN- 2642-7478) VOLUME 06 ISSUE08 characteristics that distinguish them as different Shah, 2020). Xenophobia and racism both perceive from oneself (Tummala‐Narra, 2020). Xenophobia, individuals who are different as a source of danger, as defined by Mubangizi (2021), refers to an resulting in prejudiced treatment and the act of unwarranted fear or distrust of those who are excluding them based on their inherent unfamiliar or alien. Within the South African characteristics, such as race or nationality (Tarisayi context, this is evident through opposing views, et al., 2020). Both factors can lead to the hostility, and prejudiced actions directed towards implementation of policies such as stricter individuals who are not citizens. This is consistent immigration controls. However, xenophobia is with the more extensive definition of xenophobia characterized by a fear of foreigners rather than a provided by McCorkle & Rodriguez (2023) and conviction in racial superiority (Yakushko, 2008). emphasizes its occurrence in South Africa. The correlation between xenophobia and racism Lee (2019) builds upon Harris's (2002) definition underscores how these belief systems can mutually of xenophobia, suggesting an expanded strengthen one another, frequently leading to understanding that includes not only fear and prejudiced behaviours and policies of exclusion aversion, but also physical assault or aggression (Marumo et al., 2019). Racism is the belief in the directed towards foreigners. Xenophobic violence superiority of one race over another, while can be directed towards both foreign nationals and xenophobia is the dread and distrust of foreigners, nationals who are viewed as foreign (Peucker & which is always based on apprehension (Diaz, Fisher, 2022). Xenophobia, as defined by Kerr et al. 2023). It is essential to acknowledge that (2019), is a broad concept that includes several xenophobic violence can be directed towards both unpleasant emotions, such as fear, jealousy, hatred, foreign nationals and persons who are mistakenly and distrust, as well as negative perceptions. These seen as foreign, highlighting the widespread emotions and perceptions can lead to violent or prevalence of xenophobic sentiments (Mubangizi, discriminatory actions. 2021). A recent study underscores the urgent need to When discussing xenophobia, it is crucial to understand and address Xenophobia, particularly examine its ramifications in specific settings, such in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. To as South Africa, where xenophobic sentiments have achieve this, a multidisciplinary approach is resulted in violent assaults and prejudice against necessary, considering the harmful effects of those who are not citizens of the country racism, nationalism, and violence associated with (Mubangizi, 2021). The media's representation of Xenophobia (Spencer, 2024). The pandemic has xenophobia has a significant impact on how the exacerbated discriminatory attitudes, leading to a public perceives and forms national identities, rise in pervasive racism targeting specific hence reinforcing and sustaining xenophobic populations, such as Asians in the United States societal attitudes (Freier & Pérez, 2021). Analyzing (Wong-Padoongpatt et al., 2022). It is crucial to xenophobia in the context of internal displacement explore the relationship between Xenophobia and in Africa offers valuable insights into the public health crises as well as societal attitudes, experiences and difficulties faced by vulnerable especially considering the current anti-Asian groups (Tsheola et al., 2015). sentiments linked to COVID-19 (Kim & Shah, Xenophobia is a complex phenomenon that 2020).is particularly highlighted by the present involves the rejection, exclusion, and vilification of anti-Asian sentiments linked to COVID-19 (Kim & individuals who are viewed as outsiders or https://www.theamericanjournals.com/index.php/tajiir 14 THE USA JOURNALS THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INTERDISCIPLINARY INNOVATIONS AND RESEARCH (ISSN- 2642-7478) VOLUME 06 ISSUE08 foreigners. It impacts the identities of and its consequences on various aspects of society communities, societies, or nations (Adeola, 2020). (Tella, 2016). The historical and political causes, The creation of a cumulative scale to assess fear- including colonial legacies and economic issues, driven xenophobia highlights the intricate persistently contribute to the growth of character of this notion, encompassing several x