{"product_id":"of-fear-and-strangers-a-history-of-xenophobia","title":"Of Fear and Strangers: A History of Xenophobia","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003eGeorge Makari's book explores the history of xenophobia, from its origins to the present day, and how it relates to Western debates over nationalism, globalization, race, and immigration. He shows how writers and thinkers have grappled with this phobia and how we can better understand it in our troubled times. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e                                                            \u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Hardback\u003cbr\u003e                              \u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 352 pages\u003cbr\u003e                              \u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 10 August 2021\u003cbr\u003e                              \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Yale University Press\u003cbr\u003e                          \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOver the past few years, the resurgence of xenophobia has been impossible to ignore. The European migrant crisis and immigration from Central America to the United States have placed Western advocates of globalization on the defensive, leading to the emergence of a \"New Xenophobia.\" In this captivating study, George Makari traces the history of xenophobia from its origins to the present day. Often perceived as an ancient word for a timeless problem, \"xenophobia\" was coined only a century ago, during heated and formative Western debates over nationalism, globalization, race, and immigration. Writers and thinkers such as Richard Wright, Sigmund Freud, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Simone de Beauvoir have long grappled with this most dangerous of phobias. Makari utilizes their work to demonstrate how we can better understand the problem that is so crucial to our troubled times.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eXenophobia, a term coined only a century ago, has a long and complex history that is intertwined with Western debates over nationalism, globalization, race, and immigration. While it is often perceived as an ancient word for a timeless problem, its origins can be traced back to the late 19th century. During this time, Western societies were undergoing significant transformations, with the rise of industrialization, urbanization, and the expansion of the global economy. These changes led to the arrival of a new wave of immigrants, who were often seen as threats to the established social and economic order.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne of the earliest and most influential thinkers to address xenophobia was Richard Wright, a African American writer who published his seminal work, \"Native Son,\" in 1940. In this novel, Wright explores the experiences of a young man named Bigger Thomas, who grows up in a poor and segregated Chicago neighborhood. Bigger is caught between his desire for social acceptance and his loyalty to his African American heritage. He is subjected to discrimination and violence by both white and black people, and his frustration with the social and economic conditions of his community leads him to embrace a radical ideology.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWright's portrayal of Bigger Thomas highlights the ways in which xenophobia can manifest in individuals who are marginalized and oppressed. He shows how Bigger's experiences with racism and discrimination lead him to develop a fear and hatred of those who are different from him, ultimately leading him to commit a violent act that destroys his own life and the lives of others.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSigmund Freud, another influential thinker, also addressed the issue of xenophobia in his work. In his essay \"The Future of an Illusion,\" published in 1927, Freud argued that the desire for a unified and homogenous society is a fundamental human instinct that is rooted in our biological and evolutionary history. However, he also recognized that this desire can lead to the exclusion and persecution of those who do not conform to the dominant cultural norms.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFreud's analysis of the origins of xenophobia sheds light on the ways in which our social and cultural identities are formed and perpetuated. He suggests that our desire for a sense of belonging and security is often driven by our fear of the unknown and our desire to maintain a sense of control over our environment. When we encounter individuals who are different from us, we may feel threatened or frightened, leading us to develop negative attitudes and beliefs about them.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJean-Paul Sartre, another key figure in the development of existentialist philosophy, also explored the issue of xenophobia in his work. In his essay \"Existentialism is a Humanism,\" published in 1945, Sartre argued that human beings are fundamentally alone and isolated in the world. He believed that our sense of identity is formed through our interactions with others and that our relationships with others are the source of our greatest joy and fulfillment. However, he also recognized that our relationships with others can be fraught with conflict and that our desire for power and control can lead us to exclude and marginalize those who are different from us.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSimone de Beauvoir, a French philosopher and feminist, also addressed the issue of xenophobia in her work. In her essay \"The Second Sex,\" published in 1949, de Beauvoir argued that women are subjected to a double oppression, first by their gender and then by their race and class. She believed that women are often excluded from social and political power and that their experiences with discrimination and violence are often ignored or dismissed. De Beauvoir also recognized that xenophobia can manifest in individuals who are marginalized and oppressed by both their gender and their race.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn conclusion, the history of xenophobia is a complex and multifaceted issue that is rooted in our social and cultural identities. From Richard Wright to Sigmund Freud, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Simone de Beauvoir, writers and thinkers have long grappled with this most dangerous of phobias. Makari's study demonstrates how we can better understand the problem that is so crucial to our troubled times by drawing on their work. By recognizing the origins\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn conclusion, the history of xenophobia is a complex and multifaceted issue that is rooted in our social and cultural identities. From Richard Wright to Sigmund Freud, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Simone de Beauvoir, writers and thinkers have long grappled with this most dangerous of phobias. Makari's study demonstrates how we can better understand the problem that is so crucial to our troubled times by drawing on their work. By recognizing the origins of xenophobia and its impact on individuals and societies, we can work towards recognizing the importance of diversity, inclusivity, and empathy in our world. By challenging negative attitudes and beliefs about others, we can create a more just and equitable society that values the contributions of all individuals, regardless of their background or identity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e                            \u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 752g                            \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 166 x 242 x 39 (mm)                            \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9780300259735                                                      \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"George Makari","offers":[{"title":"Hardback","offer_id":44106286956794,"sku":"9780300259735","price":23.22,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/f09643d3ec31e1463d56b213fea28dc1.jpg?v=1632365761","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/of-fear-and-strangers-a-history-of-xenophobia","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}