The term "xenophobia" comes from the amalgamation of the Greek words "xenos" (foreign, foreigner, unknown) and "phobia" (fear). This is a constant excessive fear, intolerance, dislike for strangers, foreigners, for something unusual, alien.
There are a number of measures that should be taken by people who are outraged by hatred of people with a different skin color, a different nationality, religion, etc. Do not be silent and do not stay idle. Remember that xenophobia thrives when society is inactive and does nothing to stop it. If the people in your neighborhood are promoting hatred, try to stop it with good deeds. Remember that the goal of groups that sow hatred and hide behind patriotic rhetoric is to divide people. True patriots, on the other hand, fight against hatred.
Team up with coworkers and friends. Organize alliances with clubs, community organizations, schools, churches. Get the police involved, involve the media, come up with any ideas and discuss them. It is in your power to isolate groups that promote xenophobia. Do not think that hatred only excites you - it is not. You yourself will be surprised when you find out how many like-minded people you have.
Support people who are victims of hate. They, as people, are vulnerable, experiencing fear, loneliness and a sense of helplessness. They experience attacks of hatred for their nationality and skin color. If you yourself are the victim, do not be silent, as this will only aggravate the situation. Provide details of the incident, seek help. If you find out that your neighbor is a victim of a hate crime, for example, show support and empathy for him. Even signs of attention such as a letter or a phone call will help.
To identify hate groups and respond appropriately to their actions, try to learn as much as possible about them. Study their symbolism, the details of the ongoing program.
Suggest an alternative. Xenophobes have every right to hold peaceful demonstrations. Concentrate your efforts on organizing actions that promote tolerance.
Refuse to participate in demonstrations and rallies that promote hatred. It is understandable that many people want to physically express their rejection of hate group members and their ideas. However, any violence will only play into the hands of these people.
Seek help to combat leader hatred. Politicians and officials can become your allies in this. If respected famous people speak out in support of the victims, the latter will not feel abandoned by society, there will be a wide space for dialogue. The silence of the leaders, on the other hand, will create a kind of vacuum within which rumors will spread. Then the victims will feel defenseless, and the aggressors will assume that they are supported by the authorities.
Promote tolerance, combat prejudice. Hatred gains strength and grows in a society whose citizens are voiceless and powerless. To fight hate, it is important to educate people and yourself.
Learn tolerance. Analyze your actions and speech, remove from your life everything that at least somehow humiliates the dignity of other people. Show courage and ask your friends not to share racist jokes in front of you.
