D'ni Xenophobia

[Monkeyboy]

Here I'd like to discuss the intense Xenophobia of the D'ni. Most of our sources relate to the elite, which in most cultures, the elite are the ones written about. However, if we can find some info on the general public that would be nice. It's been suggested to read the books to get more info, however, I haven't yet taken that time. If you find something interesting, quote it and leave the source, perhaps I'll get to writing about it. Thanks, Monkeyboy-- Chair of Anthropology.

[Monkeyboy]

Chair of Anthropology, I'm such a goober. Anyway, I was in the Cavern today doing some research on this topic, D'ni Xenophobia. From what I can tell from the Palace books they weren't that extreme in their xenophobia, anyway during the time of the Kings. I may not even want to call it a phobia. It seems as though, during times of war, Pento and Yimas, other groups like The Judges and the Blood of Yahvo, would raise the D'ni to call for less interaction with outsiders (by terrorism). (here it's comparable to what has gone on in the US since 9-11. Many voices raised to concern about the "savages" of the Islam faith, and/or illegal immigrants. More than ever today one of the issues is immigration. almost like a keep America pure in guise of keep terrorists out.) Pento was in the 1300's (D'ni Reckoning) and Yimas was nearly 3000 years later. It seems as though there was less contact in earlier periods, but after King Hinash's reign (2533 DR) things truly opened up quite a bit as he was the first king to marry an outsider. From there more and more interaction continued until finally the D'ni couldn't live without the aid of outsiders, as the outsiders influenced everything in D'ni culture and it would be impossible for the D'ni to live without that influence and resource. However, I suppose I need to go and re-read the books to find out more info on what happened after Kerath put the Council as the ruling body of D'ni and killed monarchical rule. It's possible (thinking about the Great Shaft) that D'ni just became more isolated and really started their Xenophobia after the period of the kings.

[Monkeyboy]

Through looking at various definitions of xenophobia, many of the definitions describe it as an abnormal or intense fear of foreigners and/or outside cultures and materials. But one definition gives a good example the way someone may act when xenophobic. It is from http://www.phobiaq.com/phobia/xenophobia240.html

Fear of strangers or foreigners

Information on Xenophobia
Xenophobia is the irrational fear of strangers and foreigners. In order for a person to exhibit xenophobic behavior, he must genuinely believe the target is a real threat. For this reason, xenophobia and racism are two very separate concepts. Xenophobia can be aimed towards entire population groups within a society as well as individuals. Immigrants and recent settlers are equally targeted. Cultural differences are perceived as dangerous. Hostility, anger and violet reactions are common symptoms of xenophobia. Other symptoms include anxiety,sweating, increased heart rate, increased rate of breathing and avoidance of public or social situations. Xenophobia can keep apart loved ones and business associates and have a major impact on the quality of life. Serious consequences such as political campaigns for linguistic purification, isolationism and genocide can occur if the phobia goes unchecked. Causes of xenophobia may include a traumatic experience sometimes in life that provoked a panic attack near a stranger or foreigner. This behavioral response then became encoded in the body as a natural reaction to the stimulus.

Although this phobia is believed to be learned, it can be unlearned through cognitive behavioral therapy coupled with anxiety medication. It is best to try proven treatments before wandering into the forever growing pool of unproven ones. As always, therapy forces the patient to confront his fears and reassess the rationality pathways in his brain. It is imperative to embark on this treatment with an open mind. Although medications can speed up the process, they include serious side effects and are never a permanent solution.

It seems to me that though there may have been individuals or minority groups of D'ni that may have had xenophobic tendencies it wasn't common in the majority, many times has it been said in the Palace books that outsiders had a great influence in D'ni culture and in one point in time 2 Kings were even married to outsiders. But the groups that tried to stop outside involvement in D'ni like the Blood of Yahvo or The Judges could be percieved as highly xenophobic; they seems to fit the definition, though it could also be a different symptom of civil unrest or as many have done on Surface societies use outsiders as scapegoats for their own societal ills. There may have been xenophobic members, but the leaders may have had other ideas and desires other than just to end outsider involvement. Religion comes to mind and the idea of taygehn (sp?) that the leaders of D'ni use it instead of what these groups believed one should act and follow.

[Monkeyboy]

Now that my job ends this Friday, I'm gonna try to finish or at least continue on with this project.