Fear Shrinks the Soul
Suspicion of the other, especially of the foreigner, is normal, since the other threatens our sense of place and what justifies our existence.
But that suspicion not only does harm to the other, it lessens our experience in the world . When we die enough to ourselves to welcome the stranger, we find our worlds enlarged and enhanced. Don't give in to those who want to build on your natural suspicion of the foreigner. They will make you more petty and cynical and less truly human. Besides, you will shoot yourself in the foot. I cannot imagine what my wife's situation would be like here in Ann Arbor without foreigners--foreigners who clean her room, wash her body, operate on her, and think about the particularities of her situation. And besides, it is so much fun and inspirational to listen to their stories. These are people who have overcome and have been resilient. Their stories make mine seem dull and pampered.