All articles tagged with #xenophobia
Pope Leo XIV closed the 2025 Holy Year by condemning consumerism and xenophobia, emphasizing themes of welcoming strangers and promoting peace, while also initiating discussions on church liturgy and overseeing major public works in Rome. The year saw a record number of pilgrims and a historic transition to an American pope, with preparations for the next Jubilee in 2033.
The article discusses the controversy surrounding Bad Bunny's selection as the 2026 Super Bowl halftime performer, highlighting the racist and xenophobic reactions from conservatives who criticize his music, politics, and use of Spanish, despite his significant influence and the historical context of Latin artists facing discrimination in the U.S. The piece emphasizes that his performance will be a powerful act of self-expression and cultural representation amid ongoing prejudice.
Education groups in Japan are urging schools to combat discrimination and xenophobic rhetoric, especially the 'Japanese First' slogan associated with the Sanseito party, which risks normalizing marginalization of children with foreign roots. They emphasize the importance of addressing bullying and promoting respect for diversity in schools.
Las Vegas is experiencing a significant decline in tourism, with visitor numbers dropping due to perceived xenophobia and political tensions, leading to economic challenges for the city.
Riots erupted in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, following rumors of a sexual assault by Romanian immigrants, leading to violence against police and property damage, with injuries reported among officers and residents.
Rep. Mary Miller faced criticism after a deleted social media post where she expressed her 'deeply troubled' feelings about a Sikh man leading a House prayer, mistakenly identifying him as Muslim and calling for America to be recognized as a Christian nation, sparking condemnation from various lawmakers and civil rights groups.
The Trump administration announced plans to revoke visas of Chinese students connected to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields, sparking fears of a brain drain, economic impact on universities, and accusations of xenophobia, especially in California where Chinese students form a significant portion of the international student body.
Chidimma Adetshina, representing Nigeria, expressed pride in securing second place at the Miss Universe pageant, becoming the highest placed black African woman since 2019. Despite facing xenophobic abuse and identity controversies in South Africa, where she was born, Adetshina triumphed in the Miss Nigeria contest to qualify for Miss Universe. She plans to seek therapy to cope with the trauma from the abuse. Adetshina's achievement follows the withdrawal of Miss South Africa, Mia le Roux, due to medical reasons.
Tensions in Amsterdam have escalated following violent incidents involving Israeli soccer fans and antisemitic attacks, highlighting a broader mix of antisemitism, racism, and xenophobia. The violence has been fueled by underlying issues such as the Dutch government's support for Israel and the rise of far-right politics. Community leaders are calling for dialogue to address these tensions, while faith leaders work to de-escalate the situation. The unrest reflects long-standing societal divisions and fears among Jewish and Muslim communities in the city.
During a rally in the South Bronx, Donald Trump claimed that China is building a migrant sleeper cell army in the US and promised mass deportations if re-elected. He criticized the media for not covering his event adequately and praised Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The rally, which had a permit for 3,500 attendees, was not as large as some supporters claimed. This event comes amid ongoing legal battles, including his hush money trial and issues surrounding classified documents.
After a deadly terror attack in Moscow, Russian authorities quickly identified the suspects as being from Tajikistan, leading to a wave of xenophobia towards Central Asian migrant workers in Russia. Social media posts and reports of abuse have surfaced, prompting concerns for the safety of migrant workers. Russian President Vladimir Putin called for unity but faces a delicate situation as migrant workers play vital roles in the Russian workforce. The attack has also led to increased tensions between Russia and Tajikistan, with Putin seeking to avoid alienating a close ally.
The deadly attack on the Crocus City Hall in Moscow has intensified discrimination against Central Asian migrants in Russia, with reports of raids, document checks, and xenophobic attacks targeting Tajik migrant workers. Russian officials have proposed expanded legal restrictions on foreign workers, while human rights lawyer Valentina Chupik has received over 3,200 requests for assistance from migrants wrongfully accused or detained. The attack has raised concerns about safety and potential economic impacts for migrant workers, as well as the broader implications for Russia's relationship with Central Asian states.
Far-right figures, including Elon Musk, have propagated baseless claims of Haitian cannibal gangs illegally entering the U.S. amid the country's political turmoil, despite NBC's debunking of the allegations. This fear-mongering tactic aims to stoke anxiety over border issues and demonize migrants, reflecting a long history of baseless accusations against Haitians. The spread of misinformation about cannibalism serves to further the age-old moral panic of foreign evil-doers overwhelming communities, but it's a cruel and unfounded response to a real humanitarian crisis.
The far-right party Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) in Germany is capitalizing on anti-immigrant sentiment, with a focus on preserving a white, fossil fuel-reliant, and anti-LGBTQ Germany. Its rise has led to harsher immigration legislation and could potentially influence policy-making on issues like immigration and climate. AfD's support is particularly strong in eastern Germany, where it could make significant gains in pivotal state elections this year. The party's surge has also prompted other parties to adopt more hardline positions on immigration. If AfD were to gain control, it could have devastating implications for refugees and asylum seekers in Germany and the EU.
Latino students at the University of Georgia are speaking out against racism and xenophobia following the tragic killing of a fellow student. The charged suspect's immigration status has sparked a national debate, with former President Donald Trump and others using the incident to push anti-immigrant rhetoric. Latino student organizations have condemned the targeting and harassment of the Latino community, calling for a campus environment where every member feels safe and respected. The university's Hispanic student population, comprising roughly 7% of the student body, has organized emotional support events to cope with the aftermath of the tragedy and address racial trauma.