Reverse Xenophobia

I have come across something new – reverse xenophopia.
If you have never (knowingly) encountered ‘xenophobia’ – it is the fear or dislike of anything perceived as foreign.

Experiencing Xenophobia

As someone who has lived in many countries, I have encountered xenophobia here and there. A neighbour in the UK who would only speak to my English partner as I wouldn’t understand her. (Even though English is my native tongue, it was not the ‘right’ English). An Argentinian who told me it was not possible for me to speak Spanish, even though we were having a conversation in spanish. Luckily these were not often occurrences, but interestingly memorable.

As a foreigner choosing to live in France, and not a native French speaker, I do (rarely) encounter xenophobia. In fact, I must say that very much predominantly there is more a fascination and interest by the French in my foreignness. Curiosity resulting in a chance to ask questions.

The odd time I do encounter xenophobia it has more to do with my ability in the French language. Or perceived lack of the French language. So really this isn’t true xenophobia, but rather a lack of communications skills on my part. On my behalf as I am still learning French. And on their behalf because they don’t have the patience, or understanding, to wait for me to translate in my head. The frustation is real.

What Is Reverse Xenophobia?

However, I did encounter my first reverse xenophobia here in France. And yes, it is a thing. It is where someone expects you to be foreign and when you aren’t they show disdain for you. You are, put simply, not what they want.

I had been working on a canal barge as a tour guide on the Canal de Bourgogne (Burgundy Canal). We had guests onboard for the week. They are always English speaking countries; American, Australian, Canadian, English… . Foreigners to France if you will.

Our crew was predominantly French. There were 6 of us, 4 from France, 1 from Bulgaria and me. We all spoke English, to varying degrees, with me as the only native English speaker. I found this could be a comfort to those passengers who did not speak French or may have felt a little uncomfortable amongst a foreign language. A comfort of the familiar in a foreign land. They knew I will be able to understand them, communicate clearly with them, particularly if there was an emergency.

When Being Foreign Isn’t What They Want

But, I did discover that of the very few guests that spoke French, well or not, they didn’t wish to know me. Were even sometimes rude. They only wished to speak to the French crew, though the majority of the time in English. Go figure.

The French crew, to them, represented France. Not someone who chose to live in France. Hence my discovery of reverse xenophobia. And that it is actually a thing. (There’s even a study on it.) But I get it. Not the xenophobia bit, after all who wishes to be disliked because of their accent. But I do understand the immersion ideal when visiting another country. A chance to go ‘local’.

The Search for an Authentic Experience

Having worked in tourism for a couple decades, this is not a new concept, wishing to live like or amongst the locals. The idea is now in fact advertised specifically as it has become more and more popular. I once had a suggestion from a guest of being invited to dinner in a villagers’ house, to offer that ‘authentic’ immersion. And of note, a French villager who speaks good English was preferred, as this person did not speak French.

Since my time on the hotel barge I have moved to guiding fully on land, specifically as a wine guide. And yes this reverse xenophobia does still happen, though very rarely. Sometimes my guests are disappointed that I am not ‘French’. But, I manage to bypass by making certain my guests have a great time, and forget about my not fitting into their foreign ideals.

More?

If you are a lover of France, you will find more insights into the place and its culture in my French Findings. And if you are a lover of French things, I hope you will check out my French Silk Scarf Shop, as well as our Pumpjack & Piddlewick Shop. Here’s a taste below: