Summary
Strangers: Laurie Taylor explores Xenophobia, the fear or hatred of those we do not know. Evolutionary psychologists often describe it as a natural and timeless phenomenon rooted in ancient history. But how accurate is that bleak assessment? George Makari, historian and Director of the DeWitt Wallace Institute, has authored a new study sparked by the resurgence of Xenophobia in 2016. He set out to explore the origins of the concept: Coined by late nineteenth-century medics and political commentators, it emerged alongside Western nationalism, colonialism, mass migration, and genocide. Can an understanding of its complex history offer a more hopeful vision of human co-operation in the future? They're joined by Jonathan Purkis, an independent academic and lifelong aficionado of hitchhiking culture. His history of hitchhiking argues that 'driving with strangers' can offer unique opportunities for cooperation, friendship and an openness to the feared 'other'.
Producer: Jayne Egerton
Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | Take some time for yourself with soothing classical music from the mindful mix, the Science of |
| 0:07.0 | Happiness Podcast. |
| 0:08.0 | For the last 20 years I've dedicated my career to exploring the science of living a happier more meaningful life and I want |
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| 0:16.1 | And just one thing, deep calm with Michael Mosley. |
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| 0:47.0 | Hello. |
| 0:49.0 | A 50-year-old German man is under arrest in northwestern Germany suspected of making what officials say |
| 0:54.8 | was a deliberate attempt to kill foreigners. The attack happened in the early hours of |
| 0:59.4 | New Year's day. At least four pedestrians, including Syrians and Afghans Afghans were injured when a car drove |
| 1:05.4 | into them. |
| 1:06.4 | Xenophobia violence seems to be spreading among foreign |
| 1:11.2 | nationals here. |
| 1:13.0 | In Jamestan, east of Johannesburg, |
| 1:15.0 | most shopkeepers from countries like Ethiopia, |
| 1:18.0 | Somalia and other parts of Africa |
| 1:20.0 | have closed their businesses |
| 1:22.0 | in anticipation of looting. |
... |
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