Question

The United States prides itself on being an “immigration nation.” Yet throughout history, a succession of different immigrant groups has faced antagonism: Chinese, Irish, Italians, Japanese, Germans, and Jews. Now Mexicans and Muslims face hostility. Why does this happen? What can be done about it?

Answer 1

First of all, we need to recognize the impact of President Trump’s rhetoric about Muslims and Mexicans (or Latinos in general). Over the last few years the President has repeatedly described both Muslims and Mexicans in derogatory terms. He often equates Muslims with terrorists and Mexicans with rapists, drug dealers, and MS-13. Mexicans are called "bad hombres," and anti-Muslim hostility seems to be at the heart of President Trump’s politics.

Trump is trying to build an America of “Us” vs. “Them,” especially when it comes to Muslims and Mexicans.

This is a classic example of dehumanization. He has demonized Muslims and Mexicans, making them seem less than human and hence not worthy of humane treatment. This has been linked to a spike in hate crimes in America (see these articles by the Washington Post, CNN, and NPR).

The President’s rhetoric has a “totalizing” effect on his hearers. It makes people see Muslims and Mexicans through an all-or-nothing grid: all Muslims and all Mexicans are bad people. This hateful rhetoric emboldens racists and Islamophobes, stigmatizing a whole religion and a whole race.

Secondly, this administration presents virtually every issue as either/or. This is common in both politics and in conflict in general. But peacemakers and conflict resolution specialists push people beyond the either-or choice to find “win-win” solutions.

To solve this issues, government should take initiative. The authorities should not talk religiously. They should not use the words which can cause hatred in the citizens. Also government to should take plans to rehabilitate these migrants.  

Second people should should change the view towards muslims and Mexicans. Think that they are also humans. when we look at someone, we shouldn’t see them primarily through the lens of religion, race, or political party. We shouldn’t see a Buddhist or a person of color, a Muslim or a Mexican, a Republican or a Democrat. We should see God’s image-bearer.

(This is a third party perspective, not mine.) Please rate my answer.