Nationalism, xenophobia and sexism: the case of the Nicaraguan National Anthem in costarrican schools

Abstract

Received: 21-03-2019
Approved: 07-15-2019

This article analyzes the nationalist, xenophobic, and sexist discourse utilized in social media comments and in reactions to online news about the suggestion of closing the Patriotic Month by singing Nicaragua´s national anthem in some San José schools with a high percentage of Nicaraguan students. Xenophobia against Nicaraguans and sexism against the ministry of education are reflected on the rhetoric of a nationalist discourse against such announcement. Comments emphasize stereotypes of Nicaraguans as violent, illegal, dangerous, threatening, and opportunistic while the ones against the minister take the form of insults on her moral, intelligence, gender, and political knowledge. These discursive practices also evidence the persistence of other domination systems such as racism, classism, and homophobia, which are reflected daily in social media.