Hello everyone,


I was listening to Xenophobia (love the song by the way) on my computer. And I started to wonder what xenophobia was. So, I looked up the definition, now I'm wondering if anyone knows what the song is about. I have a few guesses, but I kinda wanted to know for sure.

Thanks,
TamuTata

TamuTataMeira said:

Not sure which country you're from, but if you live in the U.S., with all the concern over fighting "terrorism", the choice of Xenophobia makes perfect sense.

Thanks.

I heard somewhere that xenophobia means a fear of immigrants, or a fear of different cultures, one of those two.

Xenophobia (zen'e-fob'e-a): A person unduly fearful or contemptuous of that which is foreign, especially of strangers or foreign peoples.

That is the definition provided by the One Night Alone tour book.

As has been said, xenophobia means fear of that which is strange or foreign. It is most often used in the context of people, cultures, and ethnicities that are different than the predominant ones. Consider that during the ONA shows when Prince plays this, the video shows scenes of airport security checkpoints, so it is pretty clear he is making a statement on how the US reaction to terrorism is being implemented.

Expanding the definition: An unreasonable fear, distrust, or hatred of strangers, foreigners, or anything perceived as foreign or different.

I've also heard this great song (I hope the studio version is as good) and as the title track to one of his new albums I'd say it works on at least two levels:

First, as has already been pointed out, it's a comment on the backlash of 9/11. Representing a chaotic period of heightened hatred and fear for anyone of a particular "look".

Secondly, lately it appears as though Prince is trying to move away from the role of pop star and back into the role of artist. "Xenophobia" may refer to the backlash of fear and hatred that has already occurred with "TRC" and will no doubt continue with "Xenophobia".

Hell hath no fury like a fan base experiencing change; and Prince is going through big changes musically, lyrically, and personally. You might call the reaction to this change xenophobia. Miles Davis could definitely relate to this type of fear and loathing.

Just take a quick look around p.org on any given day and you'll witness all the xenophobia you can handle.

Brendan

Xenophobia = Fear of Xena, Warrior Princess