Xenohpobia in South Africa

Xenophobia in South Africa
May 28, 2008
BBC NEWS
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/3153461.stm

II.
In South Africa, many foreigners have come to the country in search of a better life or to escape hardship in their own countries. The Department of Home affairs has not helped these people make the transition, treating the immigrants poorly. In addition, the newcomers joining society has not sit well with the xenophobic citizens who have had many violent clashes with the “Amakwerekwere”, a derogatory term used for the them.. The locals claim that these foreigners, many of which are illegal immigrants, have taken their jobs and made life impossible.

A) The AP World History theme that relates to this article is the “Impact of interaction among and within major societies” because the South Africans are forced to live with immigrants from countries in crisis.
B) Since 1994, millions of foreigners have fled their countries because of economic and political affliction in hopes of a better life in South Africa. Hatred erupted in Johannesburg in 1997 when clashes between local street traders and foreign traders arose. Ever since, South Africans have violently abused these immigrants on the streets.
C) The article’s point of view is that of a South African female working for CNN News, making her an insider.
D) Based on word choice and tone, it seems as though Dempster believes that South African’s “ordinary citizens” should not have to live with foreigners from countries in crisis. This is not surprising as she is from South Africa, making her very biased.
E) The point of view missing from this article is that of an official from the Department of Home Affairs. Whether an official from the department believes that the illegal immigrants have been treated poorly is extremely important.
F) I believe this an issue that needs to be addressed immediately. The ill-treatment of detainees, violent attacks on foreigners, and overall xenophobic attitude of South Africans must end. Although South Africa has been put into a tough situation, the country must find away to bring peace between locals and foreigners.