It has been a historical fact of considerable importance that Malta has always felt the need to protect itself from foreign invasion. The massive fortifications left to us by the Knights of Malta, meant to protect our forefathers, have been an important item that identifies us. Even the latest masterpiece by Renzo Piano emphasises this particular aspect of our architectural physiognomy.
Moreover, our geographical position cannot but help emphasise our role in defining the end of Europe as has been understood for centuries, and concentrates our mind on the meaning of frontiers.
Politically, joining the EU and particularly being Shengen’s southernmost point of entry strengthens this concept. It has taught us to be wary of outside influences from east or south of our shores
No wonder that all these trends, which emphasise need for protection, have impinged on the collective psyche and resulted in an inward-looking mentality that cannot accept miscegenation of any kind or to any degree (except with those coming from the north).
We now find ourselves at the epicentre of a proper maelstrom, where a deluge of unfortunates from Africa and the Middle East have decided that enough is enough, and who, in their desperation in their search for a better living, prefer death by drowning to a continuation of the unbearable status quo.
On the one hand, no one can blame us for wishing to preserve our culture, our heritage, our religion and the absolute control over our shores. But in the face of some 60 million refugees, can one just sit back and refuse even to consider the possibility that the world is now irrevocably changing and that the time has come to face the reality of the situation facing us?
One issue that alienates people is the presence of inequality: wherever there is inequality, there is the real possibility of friction. When we see an uncontrolled inflow of unwanted visitors who we believe are likely to be a challenge to our way of life, we rebel. This is a situation that is likely to get worse with time.
When we see an uncontrolled inflow of unwanted visitors who we believe are likely to be a challenge to our way of life, we rebel
I believe there is a real need for an educational initiative to provide some facts and smooth as far as possible any inequalities promoting prejudice, which is so rife within the community.
If I may be so bold as to recommend some action, I would say:
• Set up a task force to examine precisely what the main concerns of the population are. We all know there is deep unrest within the community, but this has to be more precisely defined and quantified;
• Set up a multicultural commission to promote information and counter adverse criticism;
• Determine the needs of the newly arrived to ensure that their knowledge of English (if not Maltese) is fostered and their qualifications are recognised;
• Ensure that immigrants are not allowed to fall into economic ghettos.
Doing nothing, as seems to be the practice at the moment, is not really a realistic alternative. It is not just charity that is required and which is in short supply. It is a question of combating inequalities at a political level.
It is also crucial to ensure that the public is educated about the need for a multicultural approach to the problem.
Referring to the influx of Mexicans into America, Richard Rodriguez a decade ago (2002) coined the term ‘the browning of America’. Maybe it is high time to consider the real possibility of the browning of Europe and to take effective measures to prevent conflict resulting from it.