Xenophobia
We like to think we are rational and enlightened, but beneath the surface we are still driven by an ancient need to divide the world into us and them.
Humanity faces a pervasive dilemma—one that seems as old as time itself: our tendency to elevate ourselves and those like us, fostering a xenophobia that casts others aside. We lift ourselves above “the others,” who in turn elevate themselves above us.
Such tribal instincts, while historically advantageous for survival, yield troubling consequences in our increasingly interconnected world. The rise of tight-knit communities that once bolstered our ancestors now contributes to a litany of societal ills we witness daily.
A stark manifestation of this can be seen in the mounting hostility towards immigration in many parts of the Western world. Often rooted in fear and simplistic ideas of who “deserves” community membership, this sentiment raises an essential question: How can we expect to embrace those from vastly different cultures when we struggle to accept those from our own?
Growing up in the west of Oslo, I found myself navigating social circles that straddled both the “sassy” West Edge vibe and the more reserved “hipster” scene of the city center. It quickly became apparent to me that each group harbored a wealth of prejudices against the other. The West Edge boys derided the hipsters’ assumed lack of authenticity, while the hipsters pointed fingers at what they viewed as superficiality. Sadly, upon entering adulthood, I discovered little had changed.
Conversations often swirling with disbelief would lead to statements like, “I cannot understand how anyone can vote for the Progress Party.” Yet, isn’t it time we recognize that differing political views can arise from deeply divergent perspectives? If we grasp this, we should also understand why some supporters of the Progress Party may struggle to accept those from other cultures—and why the sentiment might be mutual.
This division is exacerbated by forces eager to maintain the status quo for their own gain. Take, for instance, Donald Trump, whose disparaging language—designating people as “illegal aliens”—serves to dehumanize entire groups.
Moreover, in an age where we are ever more engrossed in our screens, we risk losing the opportunity for genuine self-reflection. The hours spent “doomscrolling” not only distract us but deter us from introspection we might engage in during quieter moments. Social media compounds this challenge, as its echo chamber algorithms curtail meaningful discourse, paving the way for even greater divides—self-examination is crucial for societal progress.
It falls to each of us to confront our own biases. How often do we pause to reflect on our personal beliefs? It’s all too easy to solidify perspectives into rigid identities, stubbornly clinging to our ingrained views of others.
I believe that if we collectively nurture a culture of critical self-reflection, we can emerge stronger than ever. We must hold one another accountable for our biases while remaining open to the critiques leveled against us. Should we manage to achieve this, we might just take significant strides toward a more inclusive society.