Themes and message

The main theme of the poem “Mr and Mrs Xenophobia” by John Agard is, as the title points out, xenophobia and nationalism. Additionally, the poem explores the ideas of nostalgia versus change. As the ironical and sarcastic tone of the poem indicates, the poet’s intention was to convey a critique to British xenophobia and show its irony, as in this modern time and age, immigrants are not an exception. Furthermore, the fact that they occupy key positions such as that of a doctor indicates that — willingly or not — the British have to accept that they may depend on the services of a non-British person in key areas of their lives.

Xenophobia and nationalism

By xenophobia, we usually understand an irrational fear or rejection of foreigners. Consequently, being a xenophobe has an implicit component of being nationalistic (overly patriotic...