Country Vacations & Resorts

Of the very few I found, there is no place in the world starting with “X” to which I’d like to travel.

Can’t leave the Destination “X” empty though so instead of a destination for “X” how about a quick run through a definition instead. And the Definition “X” is for – “Xenophobia.”

At its base, xenophobia is a fear of strangers or fear of foreigners. Phobia by its definition means fear, horror or mobid aversion. Phobias are very real and debilitating to those unfortunate enough to suffer them. Xenophobia as conveniently used these days by certain groups and the media means “racism.”

So, a simple word with a relatively simple meaning takes on diabolical tones of implied evil-doing. In fact, it just means a person is more comfortable with people and in an environment they know and trust. This, “is what it is” and how can that be seen as wrong?

On the other hand, “Diversity” gets constant positive reinforcement and actually means “groups with members who have identifiable differences in their backgrounds or lifestyles.” This is a simple definition.

Unfortunately diversity has become a political buzzword and implies that if a group is not diverse enough (based on some vague standard), then that group MUST be xenophobic. Maybe they are in fact, “Diversophobic?” Yes, I made that up but it seems an appropriate word and shows the total confusion society faces. Diversity has become an action word – something we are supposed to do if we are not xenophobic. There are huge flaws in this thinking.

If I decide to travel to Russia to visit its places of history, to see the beautiful countryside, and to be able to interface with Russian citizens, do I first think about my level of diversity? No. If I am interested enough to travel to Russia in the first place am I more or less likely xenophobic? No. It probably means I have an interest in and appreciation for other people and countries. It doesn’t have to mean I want to live there or adopt their lifestyle or culture as my own. Nor does it mean I want to be forced to adopt Russian culture when I return home. This does not make me xenophobic or any other “phobic”, nor does it make me a racist. I prefer orange juice to pineapple juice – does this imply I prefer Florida to Hawaii? This is how the subject becomes ridiculous.

In fact, outside very rare instances, I don’t think xenophobia exists. It is more often an inserted and derogatory term applied to people who, as stated above, are merely more comfortable with people, places, and things they know. Quite often this is more just a learned or experienced attitude.

I lived in New Zealand for several years and had a fantastic time. This adds New Zealand to my frame of reference of what environments might work for me. I have friends who were born and raised in the State of Maryland, have never left the state, and aren’t comfortable even thinking about doing so. Does this make me more diverse than they are? Possibly. Does it make them wrong or xenophobic? No.

You can’t force diversity on people when it makes them fearful and especially when it goes against their own right to make personal choices. You are then guilty of pushing your own xenophobic agenda – not trying to merely “enlighten” them on the benefits of your culture. If diversity is forced – how long before any true culture is left?

Xenophobia is a severe, panicked condition, not a political or cultural statement.