Letters | Sunday, 15 February 2009

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‘I am not racist, BUT…’

Irregular migration is one of the first issues that come to mind as soon as we mention racism. In our recurring conversations, our line of thought is often contradictory. We first declare that we are not racists, BUT we still stereotype foreigners, and feel that our ‘Maltese’ identity prevails on any other. We state that we are not racists BUT we do not want a neighbour, a colleague, a son-in-law, or a close friend from a different racial/ ethnic minority. Moreover, we justify these beliefs and attitudes with apparently unprejudiced and neutral motives.
Similar to the widespread prejudices on irregular migrants, negative presumptions are also linked to other members of racial or ethnic minorities living in Malta. Racism is not all about irregular migrants. Other persons from racial/ethnic minorities settle in Malta following marriages to Maltese nationals, the establishment of business communities, adoptions of children from other states of origin, children born from a foreign parent, work or study related travel, or tourism.
To what extent do we tolerate and respect these persons? Do we really respect ALL racial/ethnic minorities? Or are we biased towards one, or more, minorities? Do one’s visible traits, such as skin colour, influence our perceptions about them?
Race is a social construct which divides people into groups based on specific characteristics and visible traits. Therefore, solidarity, respect and diversity are crucial to combat discrimination and racism. Diversity widens our perspectives and knowledge, and increases our opportunities to learn from different cultural traditions. Moreover, diversity is also advantageous for businesses . Workplace environments that respect diversity, and have equality and anti-discrimination policies in place experience higher levels of employee satisfaction and retention. Furthermore, these companies tend to broaden their marketing opportunities owing to their good company reputation and enhanced customer satisfaction.
The National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE) is responsible for ensuring equal treatment in the access to and supply of goods and services, irrespective of one’s racial/ethnic origin. Indeed, violating the dignity of a person, or treating a person less favourably on the ground of race/ethnic origin is illegal. The race/ethnic origin of an individual should not determine their treatment in relation to social security, healthcare, social advantages, education, financial services, or the provision of any good or service that is available to the public. For instance, it is against the law to prohibit entry in a bar or establishment, to provide discriminatory or different treatment in a health centre or when offering a service, due to a person’s race/ ethnic origin.
Persons who feel discriminated on the grounds of their race or gender in the provision of goods and services, or else on gender in employment, can submit a complaint to NCPE. Complaints are then investigated, and action is taken accordingly.
NCPE has been raising awareness about the benefits of diversity and equality in order to combat racial discrimination, as part of the EU co-funded projects ‘Mosaic’ and ‘Voice for All’. The “Racial and Ethnic Origin Equality Manual” has been published to serve as a toolkit for employers, human resource managers and providers of goods and services. This manual includes an overview of the legislation that covers racial discrimination, information about the relevant bodies that promote equality, the benefits of diversity for businesses, methods and strategies of positive action and the role of equality monitoring.
NCPE also provides training on diversity, equality and non-discrimination to any entity, department or organisation which requests it. Such training makes use of the European manual “Combating Discrimination: a training manual” designed for national trainers on anti-discrimination issues.
NCPE fosters diversity and combats racist or xenophobic perceptions. It is possible to overcome prejudice based on fear and lack of knowledge through mutual understanding and solidarity. Our identity will not get lost if we respect others, it can only be enriched. Unnecessary stress and suffering caused by racism can be put to an end if we go beyond the visible traits of a person. Although we are different, we all have our own abilities, feelings and ambitions that should not be underestimated. We are different, and equal.

Amanda Catania B.A. (Hons), M.A. Sociology
NCPE Research Officer

For more information:
Phone: 2590 3850
Fax: 2590 3851
Email: equality@gov.mt
Website: www.equality.gov.mt

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