Aliens here, aliens there, aliens on Earth, on other planets, and they are everywhere.
Over the past several years, the word alien has been used more frequently to refer to members of the same species but from a different country.
People who are not U.S. citizens are called aliens, and many of them feel alienated, even if they are legal. The word alien conveys estrangement and otherness, separating fellow humans as if they were from another world.
In fact, immigrant rights groups and many Americans argue that the term is denigrating and dehumanizing, as it reinforces otherness.
Who wants to be labeled an alien simply because they are from another country or are non-citizens?
Meriam-Webster says an alien is “Belonging or relating to another person, place, or thing: STRANGE.”
People from other countries are not from another world; what’s strange about them?
With other alternatives, what is wrong with using the term illegal immigrant, noncitizen, or foreigner?
Noncitizens are no stranger than the citizens of the country where they reside.
Calling another human being an alien, no matter their country or citizenship, marginalizes people.
Yes, the word alien has more than one meaning or definition. And yes, my word preference may not be the same as others.
Merriam-Webster also defines alien as “Coming from another world: EXTRATERRESTRIAL.”
Real aliens, if there are such things, are creatures I never want to see.
We typically use the word alien to describe beings from other planets, spaceships, or unidentified flying objects (UFOs).
How common are alien flying objects or UFO sightings?
The U.S. has more UFO reports than any other country. Maybe it’s because we look up into the heavens’ vastness more, have more active imaginations, have a broader interest, or are obsessed with aliens.
California leads the states in strange and abnormal sightings. California, Florida, Washington, Texas, and New York rank among the top 5 states by the number of reported sightings.
Do you believe in UFOs?
For me, the jury is still out on this phenomenon.
My husband, like millions of others, takes a different stance on the topic.
These UFO enthusiasts are convinced, and their interests are certainly piqued by sightings and UFO TV programs.
What drives the widespread fascination and obsession people have with aliens and UFOs?
With our struggle or inability to live harmoniously with foreigners and each other as U.S. citizens, why do we seek to know and learn about beings from other planets?
Millions binge on movie dramatizations about the alleged mysterious alien crash in Roswell, New Mexico, which include accusations of a government cover-up.
Remember X-Files, a popular fictional dramatization of the abnormal and supernatural?
Believing that there’s intelligent life out there in space and that we are not alone somehow creates a continuous flurry of UFO sightings.
Forget about UFOs. Let’s try to accept and respect each other on this planet.
Then again, just in case we find actual aliens, what will Americans call them if they decide to immigrate?
Insisting on labelling some people as ‘aliens’ perpetuates otherness and misunderstanding.
Why can’t we recognize our shared humanity and treat each other with dignity and respect, regardless of country of origin?
I hope that you are happy and well.