Xenophobia Essay

1700 Words7 Pages
Discuss the phenomenon of xenophobia within the South African context by focusing on the following: Definition of xenophobia Nature and extent of xenophobic attacks in South Africa Recommendations for the prevention of future xenophobic attacks in South Africa Table of Content. PG:1. Introduction and definition of key events. PG:2. Nature and extent of xenophobic attacks in South Africa. PG:3. Continuation, Prevention and recommendations for future xenophobic occurrences. PG:4. Personal Experiences and Conclusion. PG:5. References. PG: 1. Introduction and definition of key events The month May 2008, will definitely not be remembered as one of the brightest amongst our Rainbow Nations History of events. The word Xenophobia, A word most of us had only heard of in textbooks was suddenly splashed across our newspapers and spoken about continuously on our radio stations as neighbours became murders and friends suddenly enemies. Therefore in answering the above essay question, I would like to know why all these hate crimes? Why are South Africans full of hatred, fear and even scared of the unknown? Why xenophobia and victimisation of our fellow people? Does the philosophy of uBantu not still exist in our African people? The following essay will provide a strong overview about the hate crime known as Xenophobia in our beloved South Africa. The word Xenophobia is commonly defined as a strong fear or disliking for people from other country as well as hatred and fear for foreigners or anything that is seen as foreign, different or strange. The word ‘Xeno’ means stranger or foreign and ‘Phobia’ is Greek for fear. (Oxford Standard English Dictionary: 2004). Dictionary definitions of xenophobia include: deep-rooted antipathy towards foreigners (Oxford English Dictionary; OED), unreasonable fear or hatred of the
Open Document