In pursuit of kindness

Much is being said about racism and xenophobia that seems to be on the increase, at least according to surveys and political developments such as the creation of far right groups.

This phenomenon varies from intolerance and fear to racist ideologies, which, although totally devoid of scientific proof, assert that some "races" are superior to others.

Why is this happening? I would say there are various reasons, including the following:

1. Economic factors which are intensifying competition within the labour market. Foreign workers, many of whom are employed at lower wages and inferior conditions, are blamed by some for "taking the jobs of the Maltese". What such people do not recognise is the fact that the current world economic system is actually based on such factors, forcing workers to compete with each other and, hence, requiring reserve labour. Hence, it is not the fault of "foreign" workers who are exploited at a higher extent than other workers. It is a question of an economic system based on exploitation and cut-throat competition.

2. Cultural factors in an insular island-state through which diversity tends to be looked down upon and homogeneity is championed. This can be witnessed not only in racist and xenophobic trends but also in the prejudice with regard to gender equality, sexual orientation, alternative beliefs and lifestyle and so on and so forth. In the case of racism and xenophobia, the colour of one's skin is one identifying factor through which some tend to differentiate from one another.

Does the existence of such economic and cultural factors mean that racism and xenophobia are facts of life that are bound to increase? I believe the future is unwritten and much depends on various economic, political and ideological factors.

Systems which prioritise exploitation and competition over social justice and cooperation surely do not help. Neither do sensationalism or crass apathy with regard to dangerous populist ideas that are being propagated.

Education and the media surely play no small part in helping to do away with the menace of racism and xenophobia.

On a global level, Malta can perhaps be more assertive in standing up for its rights to get help from the European Union, which has so far been close to insignificant. As a member of the EU, Malta should also implement Directive 2000/43/EC and set-up a commission that treats cases of racism. We all can do our part to ensure that our country lives up to its name of Malta hanina (Kind Malta).