Here the aim is to define and analyze racism and xenophobia from an ethical perspective. The central theoretical argument is that a comprehensive approach dealing with the political, social, educational, economic and cultural issues is necessary to curb the wave of racism and xenophobia sweeping over humanity today and to deal with the prospect of progressing intolerance and conflict in the future. Due to its historical experience of institutional racism, and its contemporary exemplary efforts of reconciliation, South Africa will feature prominently in this investigation. Firstly, attention will be paid to the definitions and social manifestations of racism and xenophobia. The pattern of these phenomena will be investigated and then examined in view of a Christian theory of human rights. The aim is to contribute to a possible solution to the severe effects of racism and xenophobia in contemporary societies.
