As the global expansion of Indian and Chinese restaurants suggests, xenophobia is directed against foreign people, not foreign cultural imports.
Meaning of the quote
This quote suggests that even though people may enjoy the food and culture from other countries, they can still be afraid or mistrustful of the people from those countries. The growing popularity of Indian and Chinese restaurants around the world shows that people are open to experiencing the food and traditions from those cultures. However, this does not mean they are always accepting of the actual people from India and China. Xenophobia, or the fear and dislike of people from other countries, often targets the people themselves, not just their cultural products.
About Eric Hobsbawm
Eric Hobsbawm was a renowned British historian who made significant contributions to the understanding of industrial capitalism, socialism, and nationalism. His influential works, including the “long 19th century” and “short 20th century” tetralogies, have been praised for their brilliant analysis and literary talent.
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