What is racism?

El racism It is an ideology that defends the superiority of one race over others. It is based on discrimination against those who belong to different ethnic groups and who have characteristics different from those of the "dominant" race. This discrimination is manifested through attitudes, behaviors and practices that seek to exclude and marginalize these people.

What is ethnocentrism?

El ethnocentrism It is the tendency to value and judge other cultures based on one's own cultural values ​​and beliefs. It is a vision of the world that is based on the assumption that one's own culture is superior to others. This approach leads to the belief in the existence of a single valid way of life, which should be universally adopted.

Examples of ethnocentrism

• Thinking that food or music from a “strange” culture is strange and stupid, without having tried or heard it before.
• Believing that family values ​​and gender roles from one's own culture are universal and superior to others.
• Considering that the religion of a culture is a threat to one's own, without knowing well the principles of the "foreign" religion.

What is xenophobia?

La xenophobia It is the hostility and fear towards foreigners or towards foreigners in general. This attitude may arise due to the perception that foreigners represent a danger to the identity, culture or material well-being of the society that hosts them. Xenophobia can be expressed through violent acts, hate speech and discriminatory measures.

Examples of xenophobia

• Verbally or physically attacking someone for not "looking" of the same nationality or for having a foreign accent.
• Feeling distrustful of foreigners in general, even when you have no reason to do so.
• Reject asylum or refuge seekers due to prejudices towards their culture of origin, without taking into account their personal situation and their reasons for fleeing their country.

In short, although there are significant differences between racism, ethnocentrism and xenophobia, they all share the tendency to seek the superiority of one group over others, whether for racial, cultural or national reasons.

It is necessary to understand that cultural diversity is a wealth for humanity and that respect for difference is a fundamental value for peaceful coexistence among human beings. Therefore, it is important to combat any form of discrimination with education, information and awareness measures towards diversity and multiculturalism.

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