The participation of all social groups does not mean that previous decision-makers are disadvantaged. It is a democratic right. Thoughts on the International Day Against Racism by Sheila Mysorekar.
Demonstration to commemorate the Victims of the racist attack in Hanau on February 20, 2022
In Europe, we should have been far enough to outlaw racism long ago. But unfortunately that is not the case. In a number of European countries, radical right-wing and racist parties are represented in parliaments or even in the government.
Group-focused enmity – which includes racism, anti-Semitism, anti-Muslim racism, anti-Gypsyism, but also homophobia or transphobia – is unfortunately still an integral part of many European societies.
Death in the Mediterranean
< p>Nowhere is this more evident than in the sealing off of Europe's borders from those seeking protection from Africa, Asia and Arab countries. There are no longer any opportunities to enter Europe unhindered and apply for asylum there – something that is anchored in international law and is one of the fundamental rights of all people.
The result: Since the beginning of this year at least 350 people have drowned in the Mediterranean Sea. People fleeing war and oppression, desperate enough to board small dinghies hoping to reach the shores of Europe for shelter.
DW columnist Sheila Mysorekar
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in 2022 at least 2,406 people died trying to escape in the Mediterranean, compared to over 3,000 the year before.
Since 2014, at least 26,000 people have tried to cross the Mediterranean , drowned or missing. The number of unreported cases is high. This isn't just a scandal: it's a crime against humanity.
Permanent debt
Germany is the country in Europe that has taken in the most refugees, with over a million each from Syria and Ukraine. Other countries, such as Hungary or, most recently, Great Britain, pride themselves on undermining the right to asylum in their national territory.
Right-wing populists rejoice because their discourse is clearly divided into “we” and “they”: ” we Germans” and opposite “the others”, migrants and refugees.
Racism has got a new, modern look. Now the talk is no longer of “inferior races” but of cultures that are said to be “incompatible with Western values”. This does not only apply to refugees; also people from international families who have lived in Europe for generations.
There is a permanent debt to be brought: they are not willing enough to integrate, their religion is backward-looking, their education is too bad. That the last point in particular has something to do with structural racism is often not even clear to politicians.
Equal opportunities for black and queer people?
Fear for privileges
Socially we see two opposing movements: On the one hand, we have an increasingly diverse society where minorities are confidently demanding their participation.
At the same time, there is a downward trend, supported by those who fear for their previous privileges. Some criticize that they are no longer allowed to say anything, even that they are being racist.
You hear this very often from social groups that hold most of the decision-making positions in Germany firmly in their hands. And these people of all people have the feeling that they are no longer allowed to say anything and are being disadvantaged? Why?
One reason is that minorities who previously had no voice now represent their positions and also make demands, such as the demand for equal treatment and participation. Women anyway, but also black people and people of color, queer people and many others. They want to have a say – and that is their right.
Criticism is not cancellation
Some people, especially white men, perceive the fact that a contradiction suddenly arises as disparaging. Facing headwinds is new to them, so some have a subjective feeling of being shut up.
What is diversity?
The opposite is the case: you can continue to say anything; the media is full of interviews with older white men. But you are also allowed to criticize them. Criticism is not cancellation, it is a sign of a lively democratic society when everyone joins in the discussion.
On the other hand, the demand for participation means that previously underrepresented groups insist more strongly on gaining access to all positions. This creates more competition.
For example, where it used to be normal for the boss to always be a man, there are now more women bosses. Not all men can handle this: when privilege has to be relinquished, it feels like a belittling – it only creates a fairer situation for all. The so-called 'reverse racism' is therefore another popular accusation.
However, all these obvious things are repeatedly questioned in order to cloud the real debate about racism and questions of power. We haven't talked about the very real disadvantages of minorities for far too long. But that's what it has to be about: participation and respect – and justice.
But there are numerous individuals and organizations in Germany who are active in the fight against racism. Many of them are Germans from migrant communities.
Sheila Mysorekar is chair of the “new German organisations”, a nationwide association of post-migrant initiatives against racism and for diversity.