What do you think causes xenophobia and racism?

A lack of exposure to different people or perhaps negative experiences with certain members of a particular group even if not all the people of a certain demographic are the same. Misinformation and fear mongering in the media and only knowing people by stereotypes? There could be many layers to aversion or distrust of foreigners and minorities. But I think if you just have normal ( ie non traumatic experiences) experiences with people who are foreigners and part of minority groups you come to realize that those people are people just like you. They may have different languages and customs for example. Granted some things are not excusable no matter where you are from, but aside from that I think neutral or positive experiences and better to access to accurate information help combat xenophobia and racism. It’s hard to dislike or fear an entire group when you know some members of a certain demographic in a regular way. And I will say this the department of mental health is very diverse. My case manager was from Bangladesh. Now my new clinician/case worker is Hispanic. My mental health outreach worker is African American. And my psychiatrist that just joined the practice as resident doctor is from Pakistan. Her boss the head psychiatrist is middle eastern. And from the we care adult foster care family care program my nurse and social worker are both black and one I think is African and American Indian descent. Both men of color. And I’m Romani and Caucasian. I look white with slight exotic features to be honest. I live in a predominantly white neighborhood but have yet to be harassed. One obnoxious lady did call the cops on me once though because she didn’t recognize me from the neighborhood. I overheard her talking to an officer and you could tell the officer was exasperated both of them white. ( I didn’t interact much with the neighbors and didn’t get involved in community events really) and yeah I have been threatened by a black man when he found out I was lgbtqia+ but doesn’t mean all black men are violent. You get my point. Some groups can be more homophobic as a whole yes that is true. But most of my experiences with my white neighbors have been normal and other minorities has been mostly normal even when I come out as intersex and pansexual. Some people were a little confused to be sure but there was not rampant discrimination and violence. Maybe I just got off lucky. I mostly am fine around both whites and people of color. But some people unless they are looking to harm others and harass them or worse probably just need some life experience and education. What are your thoughts?