Imagine walking into a room where every sound, custom, and gesture feels completely unfamiliar. For some, that moment sparks curiosity. For others, it stirs discomfort—and in its extreme form, it becomes xenophobia . This isn’t just dislike; it’s a deep fear or mistrust of what feels “foreign.” What Does Xenophobia Really Mean? Xenophobia is the fear, prejudice, or hostility toward people who are perceived as outsiders. It often targets individuals from different countries, but it can also apply to cultural, linguistic, or religious differences. A few key facts about xenophobia: The term comes from the Greek words xenos (stranger) and phobos (fear). It’s not limited to race—it can include accents, customs, or traditions. Xenophobia and racism overlap but aren’t identical: racism is about hierarchy of races, while xenophobia is about fear of “the other.” It often spikes during economic crises or political tension. Why Does Xenophobia Exist? Humans evolved to be c...