In the run-up to the EU Referendum we are witnessing a debate that is negative in tone and content. Instead of informative arguments about the benefits of remaining or leaving the EU, we have soundbites and discussions that focus on immigration. In the main, immigrants are depicted as economic, social and terror threats, detrimental to the country. Conveniently overlooked is the fact that huge numbers of Britons work and live abroad and are thus immigrants to other countries. Innovations in science and technology, and increasing globalisation results in the movement of people in both directions. Often too, those espousing anti-immigration propaganda are themselves the offspring of immigrants to this country. Currently, examples of double standards and hypocrisy abound.
More worrying still is the danger this anti-immigration rhetoric will do in the long run. Politicians tend to focus on the short-term and do whatever they feel is necessary to win power. The issue of immigration is well-known for stirring strong sentiments and so is being utilised as a means to an end. But whatever the outcome of the Referendum, the consequences are potentially dangerous for immigrants and their families, and for our society as a whole.
The focusing on differences, on 'the other,' with us as 'good' and the strangers/the different as 'bad,' is the oldest trick in the book and history tells us that it never ends well. It may be relatively easy to stir emotions but once ignited it can prove very difficult to quench the fire. Peoples' ideas and beliefs are translated into actions and the stronger the feeling the more extreme the behaviour.
John Cowper Powys, at the time of the Second World War, identified the dangers of "depersonalising the personal in each other" and pointed out that when this happens "not only does respect for personality vanish from the world, but a deadly, unnatural anger takes its place." There is a warning there that is relevant to day.
Quote from Mortal Strife (p92)
No comments:
Post a Comment