Most people who know me here in CC know that I’m German but I mostly grew up in the States. Growing up, when other kids learned that I was German, I received a lot of “Nazi” comments and people assumed I drank beer all the time at home. Even as an adult I’ve had similar comments said to me. I saw a lot of issues with immigrants growing up who received similar treatment and still do; people assuming stereotypes about their country or culture. Heard someone ask an Indian boy in high school if he ate dog meat. Heard a Russian coworker be asked if she only drank vodka. Heard a Mexican friend be asked why “her people” don’t believe in birth control. Etc. Etc. It’s clearly an issue I’ve seen and experienced a lot in America. As a nation full of immigrants, it’s a little ironic to me.

Do you think America has an issue with xenophobia? Why or why not, and why do you think it is such an issue? Have you ever seen or experienced it?

If you’re not in America, do you think your country has an issue with xenophobia?