XENOPHOBIA AND SOCIAL MEDIA

INTRODUCTION

In September of 2019, there was an occurrence of xenophobic attack in South Africa. There were a series of violent out lashes, riots, killings and incidences that targeted foreigners living in the country occurred. This involved the murder and destruction of several properties owned by immigrants in various South African cities such as; Johannesburg and Pretoria. These xenophobic attacks resulted in the death of 11 people and vandalization of several business and stores owned by foreigners. In response to this, the South African police department released a statement on the 3^rd of September which stated that they had arrested 189 people. This occurrence is just part of a reoccurring string of attacks that have been going on for decades, in which foreign Africans that migrate to South Africa have been the target of xenophobic attacks. Many Nigerians, Zimbabweans, Somalis, Kenyans and many others have consistently been on the receiving end of the assaults.

During the evolution of this event in 2019, social media platforms paid a major role in the unfolding of the events. Through social media platforms the xenophobic occupancies gained international recognition, as a large audience gathered to spectate, condemn the attacks, come to the aid of the victims and push for immediate intervention of government. With the situation receiving a global spotlight radical and prompt response were implemented. It became a profound exemplary of the strength of citizens diplomacy in action, and the use of social media served as a tool to focus and edify its power. In seconds people from around the world keeping tabs on the event were able to receive updates as they occurred. It also served as a means for individuals, celebrities, organizations, and various other parties to share their views, opinions and analysis on the issue. Social media avenue introduced a medium of discussion and dialogue. As well serving as a means to build international solidarity against these attacks. People and organizations who also sought for a way to participate in aiding the victims were also given an avenue, from the raising of funds to providing travel means for those seeking to escape the anarchy.

Social Media

Social media has varying definition to understand its concept, according to Merriam Webster, (2020) dictionary social media as a form of social networking which in turn deals with electronic communication access through websites as well as social media in which online communities have been established with the aim of sharing and passing information. Social media according to Boyd & Ellison (2008), defines it as creation of online profiles on multiple social sites or websites such as twitter, face book and so on in turn establishes connection with other users. It can also be described as a series of web-based applications which main purpose is to establish interactions, foster relationship and share information between users (Kietzmann et al., 2011). However as technology begins to advance also newly established significant roles that social media plays in terms of establishing connections and fostering roles of communication, interaction and building cultural bridges which in turn has ascended into the new age of e-diplomacy.

Xenophobia

Centre for Human Rights (2009), defines Xenophobia as the fear or hatred for foreigners or non-nationals from a particular nation, in fact the term xenophobia is derived from the Greek words ‘xénos’ which means different or strange and ‘phóbos’ which translates to a fear or horror Hussein and Hitomi (2013). Xenophobia can be said to mean a form of racial prejudice or discriminatory attitudinal patterns; towards one perceived as a foreigner or immigrants Yakushko (2009). The existence of racial bigotry has been in historical existence, but in recent years gained great global recognition cutting across many continents affecting many nations; however, despite the psychological state of hostility Reynolds and Vine (1987) it is yet there has been insufficient work to handle the deviating indicator especially in Africa.

DIPLOMACY & E-DIPLOMACY

The term diplomacy has been defined in a variety of ways, according to Sir Ernest Satow (1957), Diplomacy is the application of intelligence and tact to the conduct of official relations between governments of independent states, diplomacy is one of the tactics in which nations employ to secure its national interest, Hans J. Morgenthau (1948) defines diplomacy as the promotion of the national interest by peaceful means. E-diplomacy or Internet Diplomacy implies the use of communication through technology for the aim of attaining foreign policy goals. Hanson, 2010; Holmes, 2013; Ipu, 2013).

The extent of xenophobic violence in South Africa indicates the laxity in the criminal justice system and lack of political will of the South African Government to end the wanton destruction of lives and properties occasioned by xenophobia. The xenophobic attacks have continued and grown more vicious in facts the Nigerian immigrants were among those maltreated by South Africans, most specifically the 2019 September attack, which resulted in the death of 9 people. The constant attack against Nigerians in the diaspora could lead to catastrophic results. This could be seen in term of the trade relationship between South Africa and Nigeria.

The existence of companies such as M.T.N, ShopRite, DSTV as well as other shopping centers in both countries (Nigeria and South Africa) emphasizes the need for the application of tact in relations between these two countries. Be that as it may, these companies contribute a reasonable percentage to the revenue derived annually by both countries. To this end, any form of strain in the relationship between both parties would be detrimental to both economies. However, both governments have in recent times, particularly in the light of the xenophobic attacks not been very effective in their response to the reoccurring issue.

ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN THE 2019 XENOPHOBIC ATTACK

Social media was used as a means in which masses were given the ability to have access to updated information on the issue in an accelerated rate on both national and global scales. The prospects on mass distribution and the ability to easily share information played a major role in influencing the development of the xenophobic attacks. It brought a platform that fostered a collaborative and united front against the xenophobic attacks. It a was a revolutionary new way of communication and collaboration of various parties (such as; governments, influencers, citizens, organizations, etc.) through diverse social media platforms. Social media was used as a means to help spread global awareness on the xenophobic events.

The use of social media can play an essential role in creating an opportunity for an online space where people come together to support the voiceless and fight against malicious attacks, such as the 2019 xenophobic attacks. Social media also serves as a prospect for solidarity and creation of unity for a cause or against a dilemma. The use of social media is also quintessential for the;

• Upliftment of voices and stories,
• Creation of awareness;
• Fundraising to help the victims of the attacks
• And strengthening of a united front for organizations, activist and citizens to mandate justice.

In the analysis of the 2019 xenophobic attacks in South Africa, social media played a key role in the development of the events. Various social media platforms were used to draw global attention to the attacks, pushing governments to take action, condemning the events, etc. Many celebrealities and social media influencers even went online to react on the issue and share their distaste about what was happening. This also led to a “twitter war” between various celebrities and influencers. There was a nasty beef that arose between a South African rapper, Jarry Forbes, known as “AKA” and various Nigerian celebrities such as Nigerian Afrobeat star, Damini Ogulu (aka Burna Boy), Oludeilade Alejo (aka Ycee), and various others (BBC News, 2019).

Apart from the drama and the arguments, various other celebrities used their platforms to share positive messages. Yemi Alade, a Nigerian musician tweeted, “How can we allow A line on a geographical map rule our mind! Cloud our judgement! Govern our reasoning! Snatch our conscience!” (Alade, 2019). Many Africa celebrities still tried to promote the message of oneness a pan Africanist spirit, “We’re all the same people! Pls don’t loose yourself! #SayNoToXenophobia One Love” (Balogun, A. 2019).

Social media also served as a platform which governments used to condemn the events a pass across information to their citizens. For example, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari’s assistant, Bashir Ahmad, posted a tweet of official condemnation by the Nigerian government of the event and announcing travel warning to citizens.

CONCLUSION/RECOMMENDATION

In the contemporary international system, the place of social media cannot be overemphasized partly because of its range of global coverage, effectiveness and ease inaccessibility. It fosters globalization by providing virtual space for diverse forms of interaction between people in different parts of the world. This work recommends that governments should not relent in their usage of social media platforms in their politicking with other states. Also, diplomats must employ well-crafted diplomatic language on these platforms, especially when engaging with the global audience about contemporary issues that arise. In another vein, governments should not have total control of the major platforms for diplomatic discussion such as Facebook, Twitter etc. Governments should encourage feedback on policies from well-meaning citizens via social media. All in all, social media does not remove the need for diplomats but rather provides a unique way of practising diplomacy which is a departure from the traditional form of diplomacy.

Photo Credit : https://insight.kellogg.northwestern.edu/article/social-media-xenophobia

References

Alade. Y. E. (2019). Xenophobia tweet. Retrieved from https://twitter.com/yemialadee/status/1168781849658830848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1168781849658830848%7Ctwgr%5E&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.com%2Fpidgin%2Ftori-49567589

BBC NEWS PIDGIN. (2019). Burna Boy, Wizkid, AKA, Ycee and oda celebs don react. Retrieved from https://bbc.com//pidgin/tori-49567589

Balogun, A. I. (2019). Say no to xenophobia. Retrieved from https://twitter.com/wizkidayo/status/1168831970312429573?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1168831970312429573%7Ctwgr%5E&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.com%2Fpidgin%2Ftori-49567589

Hanson, F (2010). A digital DFAT: Joining the 21^st century. Sydney: Lowy Institute for International Policy.

Ipu, C. (2013). E-diplomacy in East Africa: Case Study of Kenya. Nairobi: University of Nairobi Doctoral Dissertation.