Tote Bag Slogan Exposes Everything Wrong With Xenophobia

An image of Xenophobia-busting tote bag has gone viral this week, bringing to light just how misguided it can be.

The photo, shared by journalist Nader Al-Sarras, shows a commuter riding the Berlin subway. The straphanger’s bag is covered in Arabic writing, which translates to “This text has no other purpose than to terrify those who are afraid of the Arabic language.”

The bag is sold by a Palestinian design shop known as Rock Paper Scissors and it can be seen displayed on their Instagram page.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BEnufwAnjTZ/

As of press time Al-Sarras’ photo has been shared over 15,000 times. Many users on twitter voiced their support of the bag.

I want this and I want to wear it everywhere in solidarity.

— Rowena 🍉 😷 (@Rowena_SW) August 17, 2016

@CandaceMejia Odd how people can be rattled and unhinged by one of the world's great scripts! People are terribly insecure!

— John Libert PhD (@JohnLibert3) August 16, 2016

I love it and Arabic is not terrifying shame on people who think so

— Peter Jay Miller III (@PeteyPetro) August 17, 2016

Some were confused by the bag’s message, though others were there to try and explain.

because when you realise what it means (when someone tells you) you realise your fear is irrational and silly, and that's good

— Samuel West 💙💛 (@exitthelemming) August 17, 2016

Some even brought American politics into the fray.

perhaps someone should hand these out at a Trump rally

— Barico (@NJBarico) August 16, 2016