Educate the Public

Whether you think of superdiversity as a challenge or an opportunity we probably aren’t educated enough on the subject to comprehensively grasp the concept. The information that does reach us is often biased and insufficient. How can we solve this ordeal?

First, the history of migration could play a more significant role in our curriculum. Migration exists as long as human kind exists. This means we have plenty of data and sources to consult and analyse. In the late 19^th century many Europeans decided to migrate to the country of opportunities, America. Not only economic reasons but also the lack of religious and political freedom led these people to seek a better life overseas. America prospered, mainly due to the influx of young work forces who were ambitious and driven. America’s response on the other hand was one of repression and exclusion. They gradually started to impose laws that prohibited certain migrants from entering. They started by excluding the Chinese and went on to exclude anyone that might pose a threat based on their political beliefs.

Second, the information that reaches us is often biased and misleading. The language used by the media has a bigger impact on our ideas and sentiments than we realise. If they use pejorative words to describe a certain group we are prone to ascribe these negative characteristics to this particular group. Again, education could guard our young against this phenomenon. If we teach them the power of critical thinking they have a better chance to withstand the brainwashing and filter the information accordingly.

Third, our view of the world and its problems is distorted. According to Hans Rosling we are stuck in the narrative of the developing versus the developed countries. He says this is no longer the case. Much more people have moved up the social ladder than we think. The only problem is that the gap between the poorest and the richest is bigger than ever. Only if the people in the lowest scale get improved education and improved child survival rates, they will be able to climb the social ladder thus ending the massive population growth. No one deserves to struggle to survive.

If we consider all these components we can see that migration is a broad and complex topic that can be challenging and enriching at the same time. Putting up walls and strict borders is not the answer. It is a sign of ignorance and neglects the root problems. Migration can bring economic growth, as well as diverse views and talents which can enrich our society. Like Canada, we could use it as a tool to improve international relations. Once again education can play a crucial role in helping to shift the general mindset. It al starts with being properly informed.