Xenophobia has no place in societies that value sharing

Let me be honest.

I did not know the word xenophobia until a few days ago when I heard about what has been happening in South Africa.

I think it is a beautiful word but the meaning is real ugly.

The Wikipedia says xenophobia is the unreasoned fear of that which is perceived to be foreign or strange.

That xenophobia can manifest itself in many ways, involving the relations and perceptions of an in-group towards an out-group, including a fear of losing identity, suspicion of its activities, aggression, and desire to eliminate its presence to secure a presumed purity.

According to reports, there is anger among poor black South Africans due to shortage and even lack of opportunities in the Rainbow Nation. This has led to frustrations which have culminated into violent street protests.

At least 350 foreigners have been killed in xenophobic violence in South Africa since 2008.

This state of affairs is indeed unfortunate considering South Africa’s history, and the fact that it is one of the most developed in Africa.

No doubt Kenyans have been outraged by what has been happening in South Africa, a country that colonised by the Dutch and the British.

But as much as we are fuming over this wave of violence against Africans, have we looked inward to see that we have the same traits as our neighbours, albeit manifested differently?

How do we explain the problems we have as Kenyans, just because of the ‘Me’ attitude? How come there exists unending corporate rows, political tension, ethnic clashes that birth cattle rustling and all?

And just where does this culture of wanting the most and the best for oneself come from?

It all starts at home, at the family level. When a child is born, the animalistic tendency to adapt and survive in a highly competitive world is nurtured. This is a good thing, it ensures one lives.

But if left unchecked, it can develop into something dreadful and make societal coexistence difficult. That is why it should be done away with at a tender age.

But how is it possible when a child sees his father eating nyama choma at the pub and coming home empty-handed? As he eats his plain sukuma wiki for the hundredth time, he cannot help but get a whiff of the meat off his father’s breath.

Chances are he will grow up not sharing.

Then there is always that one person at a gathering who will serve him/herself the most drink even though he/she has not contributed towards buying it.

How about taking a leaf from our Muslim brothers, who serve their meals in a sinia and have everyone sit down on the floor and they eat together?

Humanity is such that we are stronger when we share. We trust each other more when we share. It is possible to stop the greed, the selfishness, the Me First syndrome and trust each other enough to share.

Even though many may not agree, the plain truth is that there is enough for everyone — just as Mahatma Gandhi said: The world has enough for everyone’s need, but not enough for everyone’s greed.