It is rather heartbreaking that an “us versus them” mentality is something humans have no trouble recognizing and expressing. In contrast to a sense of unity, this mindset stems from an inner spiritual disconnection from God, nature, and life itself. The resulting darkness breeds hatred fueled by xenophobia and racism. The hatred conjures win-lose scenarios where eliminating the “other” may be necessary for survival. Only the privileged few who rule will have a bright future in this world.
History has many examples of this very unfortunate state of human affairs. In Ancient Greece, citizens often labeled foreigners as “barbarians” and considered them inferior, fueling old forms of nationalism and exclusion. In Medieval Europe, religious differences intensified intolerance, leading to persecution and violence against minorities like Jews and Muslims. This sentiment fueled the Crusades. The existence of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s targeted not only Blacks but also Catholics, Jews, and other immigrants. Germany’s Nazi rise during the 1930s stands as a prime example of extreme xenophobia. It resulted in the eventual killing of millions of Jews, Russians, and other groups based on a belief in Aryan superiority.
My current disillusionment with American life in 2025 arises from a growing concern about the lack of empathy and concern for others fueled by xenophobic attitudes. As a naturalized citizen and immigrant who arrived in this country at 9, I have always seen Americans as kind and generous, despite the challenges they face. Their generosity has extended beyond their neighborhood to the entire planet. Coming from a nondescript area in Central America, we often encountered the fascinating American way of life. It was mainly through movies, news, and those courageous relatives who ventured into this unknown land of dreams. My direct exposure to the American Dream in the 1960s persuaded me that the U.S. was the land of opportunity, rewarding hard work and peaceful living. I was lucky to have arrived when I did.
This luminous immigrant aspiration was the basis of my hopefulness and optimism. Now, forces of inhumanity, unkindness, and heartlessness are changing, corrupting, and squashing it for millions of others in the very land that is supposed to attract. Given a native populace that is faithful and hardworking, it’s difficult to comprehend how some express and support such darkness, and how these expressions have persisted. Has the silent majority awakened to a new reality where they must now cling to their wealth and comfort before losing it? Why do they experience a sense of threat? Is the danger real?
Donald Trump did not create xenophobia in 21st century America. He embodies a rapidly escalating and persistent issue. What fuels this fear of anything perceived as foreign or strange? One likely answer is that rapid globalization has led to national boundaries becoming transparent. The resulting mass migration has triggered a sense of identity among both the immigrants to and the existing residents of those countries. Coupled with this migration is the widespread sense of unease, meaninglessness, and disconnection experienced by many in contemporary society. Despite wealth and access to information, the predicament often manifests as a search for meaning, purpose, and connection beyond the material or consumerist aspects of life. In such a world, people view foreigners with suspicion, believing they erode cultural identity and belonging, increase social isolation and alienation, and exhaust resources available to the native population.
Similar to the rise of the Nazis, unchecked nationalism, selfishness, and a scarcity of love in the current cultural dynamics exacerbates this spiritual predicament and enhances its self-destructive nature. Most people don’t recognize the inevitable outcome of this blind passion. Unchecked, it causes pain and suffering. Indeed, the current manifestation has already led to thousands, if not millions, of children dying because of the actions of the government. In January 2025, the Trump administration started a 90-day freeze on all US foreign aid. This led to defunding of programs managed by the US Agency for International Development (USAID). In July, a budget passed which will strain the survival capacities of many citizens by the cuts in Medicaid and other resources, likely resulting in hardship, misery, and death.
What can we do as individuals? Do not give in to the sense of helplessness. Recognize our own sense of unease, meaninglessness, and disconnection with the culture, life, and spirit. More specifically, resist the temptation to join the movement. It’s difficult to fight peer and social pressure when such movements gain popularity and momentum. A kind of unconscious group-think takes over. Yet we don’t have to engage the impulse. Be true to your values, to your sense of self as a kind person. Loving, compassionate life persists and will return once this sickness resolves. Still, this period of uncertainty requires intentionality and a conscious choice regarding who we are and our preferred future. BE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER!