On November 28, Dictionary.com announced that 2016's Word of the Year was "xenophobia." When I first heard that, I was both shocked but then settled - because it makes sense considering all that occurred this year.

For those who don't know, Dictionary.com defined "xenophobia" as the fear or dislike of strangers, foreigners, or those with a different culture. You may hear it tossed around here or there in a conversation of the nature described in the definition. Not commonly used, but sometimes known.

As Dictionary.com stated, this is highly reflective of the year. We had the U.S. presidential election that is still raising questions about immigration policies. There was a lot of overseas terrorist attacks, like in Nice, France, Brussels, Belgium, and at a Turkish wedding. And that's not including the terrorist attacks going on constantly.

Brexit was a notable takeaway from the summer events, where the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union. Independent reported anti-immigration hate crimes surging after the referendum in Britain. A French mayor tried banning burkinis in a town near Nice, but was suspended.

Domestic terrorist attacks in the United States along with the election aftermath sparked some hate crimes in various minority communities. The Pulse gay night club massacre rocked the United States in June due to someone's hate towards the LGBTQ+ community. Hate crimes increased throughout the country following the 2016 election.

This made me think of a cultural event I went to at Winthrop where I learned about the Syrian crisis' origins, and why so many refugees are leaving. It involves a deep religious conflict between the Sunnis and the Shia that dates back centuries, and really accentuates a reality: xenophobia will always be here.

We all have an idea of the "other," something we describe as outside the normal. As we've seen, that perception can escalate into wars, genocide, discrimination, and institutional hate. It has happened before and will continue to happen.

However, this is also a time period of progression. Much of these prejudices are being unearthed again or continuing, but people must come together more than ever. This is a common message, but will always have meaning and truth: love.

Love and awareness are the key to creating support. I know people who do not agree with certain things about people, but does not act on those prejudices. That is the difference between them and the people who do wrong. So remember to be open-minded, tolerant and know that despite what we are, appear, and do, we are all human beings.