Like I've always said, all xenophobia (fear of people different to you) is based on ignorance. And even if people are not consciously racist they can be subconsciously. For instance, when I spent time in NYC and lived in a hostel just south of Harlem, I was very intimidated by all the African American people because I had only met one or two in my life and of course they mostly have a negative portrayal on TV. I suppose I thought they would hate me for being white or something. But then I met a few really nice African-American people and now have one or two friends as well so that apprehension is gone. It was never a conscious thing and I never consciously worked against it - just getting to know them raised my comfort level.
The same rule applies for any race/religion/person different to you because of the basic ignorance of 100% of the population (I mean, everyone is ignorant of something). So the 6 billion population of the world should all get together in one huge, friendly orgy.
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But meh. We're really not all that different. Brits and 'Merkans, I mean. As much as the majority of Britain will make fun of America and, to a certain extent, Ireland, the majority of America will make fun of France and, to a certain extent, Mexico.
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I have a theory that every country in the world has another country that they mock for their accent and alleged sexual activities with sheep. Australia has New Zealand, England has Wales, USA has Canada and South Africa has, for some reason, Australia.