Xenophobia

Xenophobia describes a fear and hatred of those who are perceived to be foreign, strange, or dangerous, that is often reflected in anti-immigration rhetoric. - Asian American Activism: The Continuing Struggle

Xenophobia differs from racism, which has a broader meaning set that includes believing that racial differences produce superiority for some and inferiority for others. Although they are similar, it is possible to be both xenophobic and racist.

Examples of Xenophobia in Canada

Canadian Banks Several climate justice groups in so-called Canada are targeting Canada's major banks.

Banks know from their consumer preferences research that climate change matters to their customers, so most of them put a small amount of their funding towards initiatives that encourage a 'green' image. Banks pouring a small amount of their earnings into climate-friendly initiatives misleads the public into believing that they are environmentally-friendly companies, as some of the largest fossil fuel funders in the world. Check out this instagram post by Banking on a Better Future for more specific examples of RBC's greenwashing.

Exxon Mobile ExxonMobil has taken many initiatives to paint themselves as a 'green' company, despite being a fossil fuel company (direct culprits behind the climate crisis).

Exxon says they have invested more than $10 billion in “lower-emission technologies” since 2000. In 2021, the company unveiled a division called ‘Low Carbon Solutions’ with plans to invest $3 billion on “lower emission energy solutions” through 2025, specifically through carbon capture and storage. However, between 2010 and 2018, ExxonMobil reportedly spent 0.2% of its capital expenditure on sources of low-carbon energy. These initiatives, therefore, are misleading.

The COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 virus originated in the city of Wuhan in China. For some people, the virus gave them 'permission' to target immigrants, or people who look like immigrants, of Asian decent with hateful words and actions.

Some people called for an end to immigration from China, even after the virus had already made its way into Canada.

Some called the virus the 'Chinese' virus.

Canadian Figures

Quebec Premier François Legault commented that multiculturalism is a threat to the French language. He explained "it's important that we don't put all cultures on the same level; that's why we oppose multiculturalism," Legault said. Legault's claims that immigrant cultures are threatening Quebec's identity are xenophobic.

In 2018 Don Cherry, who for many years hosted Coach's Corner on Hockey Night in Canada, was fired for accusing immigrants, who he called 'you people that come here' of disrespecting Canadian veterans by not wearing poppies (of which he had no evidence). Cherry's hate-filled othering is an example of xenophobia.

If you have any suggested revisions or additional resources to share related to the above content, please email them to kenzie@lehub.ca.

Back to Homepage