- One of the most common factors observed in attacks perpetrated on immigrants, both locally as well as internationally, is the perceived animosity having taken deep roots courtesy of misconceptions about scores of such people usurping opportunities/resources meant for them, rising its ugly head. However, history has witnessed, since time immemorial, the adventurous nature of humankind leaving shores in search of greener pastures, risking lives. It must be mentioned that but for the wandering nature of humanity, the whole of mankind would not have progressed on expected lines, overcoming debilitating challenges along the way. True to its spirit, humanity has thrived on the back of seemingly insurmountable challenges by pushing limits.
PC: YouTube
- Thus, immigration and immigrants are not a new phenomenon at all. Unfortunately, buttressing parochial considerations has become the most critical tool for geopolitical and geostrategic reasons in the last few years. Racism is one of the ugliest kinds of inhuman tendencies existing around dehumanizing our fellow beings, despite knowing it is inherently unacceptable. And it is invariably followed by violence towards immigrants. Despite all the gore in history, we are not comfortable with violence. This must be noted. As reported, an India was recently bashed up in Adelaide last week. A few hours later, another Indian was brutally assaulted in Dublin. Both cases have the appearance of a hate crime, which is a growing problem around the world. Period.
PC: Scroll.in
- Further, data from America – self-appointed guardian of democracy and liberal values – shows a 13% jump in hate crimes in the top 10 cities between 2022 and 2023. As Indians, we narrowly focus on attacks targeting Indians, whether in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, or elsewhere, but other nationalities are equally targets of hate. In January, Nigeria issued an advisory for its citizens travelling to Australia. Let’s not forget that internal migrants in India are often targeted by goonish groups. It is normal for people to be suspicious of the outsider, different in speech, appearance, garb, customs, and reserved, but violence is hard to explain. What might trigger it? Toxic ideology was the culprit in Nazi Germany. Now, there are reactionary ideologues everywhere. That’s sad.
PC: Deutschlandfunk
- As you know, even Trump’s MAGA push relies on the vilification of immigrants. But as every economist vouches, hate is not the way to achieve national greatness. It has enormous social and economic costs. Note that the 2012 shooting at a gurdwara in Wisconsin left six dead. Not a high toll at first glance, but its cost to society quickly added up. The gurdwara upgraded its security. Alongside, mosques and Hindu temples took note of the attack and spent on better security systems. Terrorized immigrants curbed their movement, affecting local businesses. And this was just one case of hate crime among many. Imagine how the economic loss from all the hate crimes around the world would be. Many times more. Dialing down xenophobia must be the mantra.
