Xenophobic sentiments

Definition

Xenophobic sentiments refer to feelings of distrust, fear, or hostility towards individuals or groups perceived as foreign or different. These sentiments can manifest in various ways, including discrimination, social exclusion, and violent actions against those considered outsiders. In the context of Korea opening to the West, xenophobic sentiments were heightened as foreign powers intruded into Korean society, leading to a complex interplay between cultural identity and external influence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The arrival of Western powers in the late 19th century sparked significant xenophobic sentiments among Koreans, who felt threatened by foreign influences on their culture and sovereignty.
2. Xenophobic attitudes often led to violent uprisings against foreign nationals and their local collaborators during the period of Western encroachment.
3. The Treaty of Ganghwa in 1876 marked Korea's forced opening to Japan and other Western nations, which exacerbated fears and distrust of foreigners among the Korean population.
4. As Korea struggled to modernize while dealing with foreign pressures, xenophobia emerged as a way for many Koreans to assert their national identity and resist cultural domination.
5. Xenophobic sentiments contributed to the formation of nationalist movements in Korea that aimed to restore independence and preserve Korean culture amidst foreign intervention.

Review Questions

• How did xenophobic sentiments influence Korean responses to foreign powers during the late 19th century?
  • Xenophobic sentiments greatly influenced Korean responses to foreign powers by fostering a strong sense of nationalism and resistance. Many Koreans viewed the arrival of Western nations as a direct threat to their cultural identity and sovereignty. This fear led to various forms of protest, including uprisings and social movements aimed at rejecting foreign influence and asserting a distinct Korean identity in the face of external pressures.
• Discuss the relationship between xenophobic sentiments and the development of nationalist movements in Korea during the period of opening to the West.
  • The rise of xenophobic sentiments played a critical role in shaping nationalist movements in Korea as individuals sought to protect their culture from foreign domination. The perceived threat posed by Western powers galvanized many Koreans into action, fostering a desire to reclaim their sovereignty and cultural heritage. This connection between fear of foreign influence and the push for national identity laid the groundwork for organized resistance efforts that sought to counteract external pressures.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of xenophobic sentiments in Korea as a result of its opening to the West, considering both historical and contemporary perspectives.
  • The long-term impacts of xenophobic sentiments in Korea stemming from its opening to the West have been profound and complex. Historically, these sentiments fueled nationalism that contributed to movements for independence and self-determination. In contemporary times, remnants of these xenophobic attitudes can still be observed in reactions to globalization and immigration. Evaluating this evolution shows how past experiences shape present societal views on foreign cultures and influences, reflecting ongoing struggles with identity amidst a globalized world.

Related terms

Isolationism: A foreign policy approach characterized by avoiding involvement in international affairs or conflicts, which was historically practiced by Korea before the arrival of Western powers.

Cultural Imperialism: The imposition of one culture over another, often seen as a form of dominance, which can generate resistance and xenophobic reactions from the affected society.

Nativism: A political ideology favoring the interests of native inhabitants over those of immigrants, often fueled by xenophobic attitudes.