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ABSTRACT
Many studies have examined xenophobia in South Africa, particularly its black-on- black narrative and violent consequences. But what happens when xenophobic attacks are not directed at immigrants but those associated with them? A new form of xenophobia, proxy xenophobia, is emerging in South Africa. Using digital ethnography, this study explores reactions to an online story in the Mail & Guardian newspaper about United Nigerian Wives in South Africa (UNWISA). This is a support group of South African women married to Nigerian immigrant men; their aim is to combat the stigma they experience and the xenophobic attitudes toward Nigerians. The inherent nature of social media and computer-mediated communication allows for disinhibition and de-individuation that permit the cyber bullying of these women. This proxy xenophobia portends a troubling repercussion, as bullying online may lead to real-life consequences. For Nigerians, the cultural caricature of a criminal persists in their representation.
Additional information
TOKS OYEDEMI engages sociological questions around communication, media, culture and society. He examines digital culture, patterns of marginalisation and exclusion in the communication and technology environment, and the intersection of social inequalities, citizenship and technology. He was a fellow at the Center for Communication for Sustainable Social Change (CSSC) and at the National Center for Digital Government (NCDG), both at the University of Massachusetts, USA. His research publications have appeared in international journals, such as International Journal of Communication and Citizenship Studies. He is currently at the University of Limpopo, South Africa.