We live in the 21st century, at a time when the internet connects all corners of the earth in less than a second. And it has been decades that we have been able to travel long distances within hours. Our space technology allows us to see the earth as a single blue marble where life thrives. Yet it’s our man-made borders and cultures that separate us.
Professor Holly Case’s discussion about the migrant/refugee issue in Europe struck a special chord for me. We live in a country that is considered the melting pot of many cultures, and its success is built on providing a haven for those who seek freedom and a better life. It is not hard to imagine what things may be like in areas of the world where xenophobia is much more wide-spread.
The strife created in large parts of the middle east, especially in Syria and Iraq, has led a lot of individuals and families fleeing war and persecution to migrate to other countries just to survive. And Hungary is at the cross-roads of this migration, a transit country between East and West for refugees. Hungary’s conservative prime minister, Victor Orban, who was previously struggling due to various corruption scandals, seems to have found a way to galvanize support by taking a harsh stance against allowing refugees to enter Hungary. Professor Case’s discussion prompted me to read more about Mr. Orban. He refers to the clearly helpless migrants seeking refuge as “looking like an army”. The following quote says it all: “We do not know who these people are, what their plans are, how they wish to maintain their own ideals, and we do not know if they will respect our culture and laws. This is an unregulated, uncontrolled process, the definition of which is invasion”. In all this mayhem, it is good to see that signs of compassion still exist among some Hungarians. For example, the mock Two-Tailed Dog political party has been running anti-Orban campaigns, which include billboards saying “Sorry for our prime minister”. Of course, focusing on Hungary ignores the fact that this is a European problem. With the backdrop of prejudice/fear that Europe will be overrun by Muslims that is being pushed by the nationalist parties, it is harder for humanity to shine through. The recent tragic terrorist attacks in Paris will only add fuel to the burning fire of xenophobia in Europe by giving rise to more nationalistic fervors. I still hope love and compassion will ultimately triumph.
And in case you were wondering, for me home is where humanity is!