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What are we afraid of? Xenophobia and Islamophobia in European Societies.
Start date: May 31, 2016, End date: Mar 30, 2017 PROJECT  FINISHED 

Are refugees afraid of having no future? Are politicians afraid of migration issues because they cause social frictions? Are citizens afraid of national identities getting lost? Are critics afraid of Islam because it causes a danger for Western democracy? Are demonstrators afraid of one-sided media gaining the upper hand? In this project, we will address these burning issues related to the fear surrounding foreigners. We will investigate what it actually is that people are afraid of and why. We will approach the topic by focusing on four major aspects: 1. Xenophobia: How do migrants and their hosts get along? We will look at history and share experiences about immigration and emigration. Participants will report on the situation in their home countries. Migrants will share their biographies with us. 2. Islamophobia: What’s religion got to do with it? We will speak with Muslim groups and ask about their understanding of politics and society. An anti-bias training will help us overcome our own prejudices and provide us with tools to train others. 3. Integration: How do we make it work? We will learn about theoretical approaches to integration and share best practice experiences. On excursions, we will talk with NGO representatives, social workers, and people from refugee councils. 4. Taking Action: What to do next? This project is not just about 10 days in a seminar center. It is about gaining inspiration for combating xenophobia and islamophobia back home. We will inspire each other and work out concrete concepts for follow-up activities. It is all about overcoming fears. We aim at turning fear into courageous action. Thereby, we will assume responsibility as European citizens and find solutions on a practical daily life basis and within our international networks, where politicians might still be struggling. We will be eight people from four countries plus one team member. This sounds like a small number, but all of us are prepared to work hard for multiplying effects of this project. It’s part of our concept; and it’s part of our experience.

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