Interstellar Privilege: How 'Aliens' Get a Galactic Pass While Immigrants Face Earthly Bias
Deconstructing Earthly Prejudices: When Extraterrestrial Visitors are Treated Better Than Our Terrestrial Neighbors
Based on the information I found, the US government has allegedly been in contact with extraterrestrial beings and has been studying "exotic" materials of non-human origin for decades1. This contact with aliens has been a topic of much discussion and speculation.
However, the term "alien" has been used to describe not just extraterrestrial beings, but also immigrants. This has created a negative connotation, often leading to discrimination and prejudice against immigrants. The term, rooted in white supremacy, implies that immigrants, especially those of color, are 'other' or 'foreign,' and that they do not belong here. This is a harmful narrative that needs to be addressed and rectified.
It's time we reconsider the language we use when referring to extraterrestrial beings and immigrants. For extraterrestrial beings, we could use the term "extraterrestrial visitors" or "interstellar neighbors." This terminology not only highlights the fact that these beings are from other star systems but also fosters a sense of community and respect for their origins and intelligence.
Interestingly, the acceptance of these "interstellar neighbors" contrasts sharply with the often hostile reception of immigrants, who are also 'foreign' but in a terrestrial sense. The lack of major outcry or initiatives to 'send back' these extraterrestrial visitors could be viewed as a form of bias, possibly stemming from the notion that these visitors could be of Caucasian descent, a hypothesis rooted in the racial biases prevalent in society.
Indeed, the perceived difference in treatment between terrestrial immigrants and extraterrestrial visitors raises intriguing questions about our societal norms and values. The fact that these extraterrestrial visitors are not met with demands for their departure or incarceration, despite their unquestionable 'foreignness,' could be a reflection of an ingrained bias that favors the unfamiliar and the 'exotic.' This bias can be seen as an extension of white supremacy, with the 'white' or 'Caucasian' here representing the familiar, the accepted, and the dominant. In contrast, immigrants, particularly those from non-Caucasian backgrounds, often face systemic barriers and social exclusion, despite their shared humanity and contributions to their adopted countries. This discrepancy lays bare the urgent need for societal introspection and for combating the destructive ideologies that underlie such biases.
This notion brings to light the inherent bias in how society treats 'foreigners' based on their perceived race or origin. It is crucial to remember that the color of one's skin or their country of origin should never be the basis for discrimination or prejudice.
In conclusion, the language we use matters. By calling for the abolition of the term 'alien' and adopting more respectful terminology, we can start to dismantle harmful narratives and promote inclusivity and equality. Let's extend the same courtesy to our terrestrial neighbors, the immigrants, as we would to our interstellar neighbors.