Confronting xenophobia: the dark roots of the hate movement
Lessons from both sides of the Atlantic
Xenophobia, racism, Islamophobia — all have made a troubling resurgence in recent years, both in the United States and Europe. Radical far-right political rhetoric, and the media, play an important role in this—fueled by loud voices that espouse nativist and exclusionary populist ideas.
In Confronting Xenophobia: Lessons from Europe and the United States, the similarities and differences from communities on both sides of the Atlantic are described by prominent activists and researchers from the United States and France: Devin Burghart, Executive Director of the Institute for Research and Education on Human Rights; and Yasser Louati, President of the Comité Justice & Libertés Pour Tous, focused on civil rights in France.
A thoughtful look at history reveals that white supremacy and nativism no longer dwell in the margins; but are very present on the legislative floor.
The dark roots of hate
There is a clear historical basis in both France and the United States for anti-immigrant rhetoric and policy, steeped in racism that has been perpetuated for centuries. In France, several turning points charted a course for racist discourse throughout the French-speaking world. The post-WWII decolonization period, the birth of the Fifth Republic, and the brutal war in Algeria all played a pivotal role.
In the United States, the bloody genocide of indigenous tribes and the long-lasting institution of slavery created a jarring dissonance in the national discourse. Any remembrance of such violence sits uneasily within the ethos of a nation that many still wishfully call a “melting-pot” and “a country of immigrants.”
Louati describes France as the “laboratory of Islamophobia,” with a highly centralized government rooted in a conservative and white-centric tradition—one that isn’t well-suited for diversity.
In fact, the national narrative of France was built on the rejection of ethnic groups that were dominated through colonization.
The subsequent integration of members of those former colonies into France through immigration was marred with struggle. For Louati, this is in keeping with the origins of the French police nationale, which was indeed formed during the fascist Vichy regime to target minorities. Further muddying the waters are the French philosophies of colorblindness and laïcité, both of which have been used to either ignore racism, or justify policies targeting the cultural practices of religious minorities.
In both France and the United States, the racist theory of “the great replacement,” has been problematic and enduring. The concept is rooted in the fear that ethnic minorities will overtake the white, Christian population.
Tracking the money
One key consideration in the United States, particularly in this age of extreme income inequality, is the incredible power of money. Funding sources are essential in spreading the message of hate. IREHR’s soon-to-be-released report tracking the funding sources of the anti-immigration movement in the United States unearths some key players, both past and present, including FAIR, founded by the eugenicist John Tanton, and The Pioneer Fund. While the latter no longer exists, it was pivotal in seeding hate groups and laying the foundations of the anti-immigrant movement.
To counter these forces, the individuals and organizations that work hard to support diversity, tolerance, and human rights must also step up. Both speakers agreed on the need to build a transatlantic community—an ecosystem, as Louati puts it—where the anti-hate movement can share resources and knowledge, strategize, and connect.
MIRR Alliance is ready and willing to be that connecting platform.
Watch the full event on YouTube or below.
