When we talk of the
Black Death, the plague, we think of the Middle Ages and the havoc
reeked by the disease across the face of Europe.
And yet, a similar
situation exists today – not in the depths of Africa – not in
some far away place only read about in books. It is happening in
Italy at personal, local, and administration levels.
The hatred and loathing
aimed at Roma people – the persecution of, and indifference to,
them is a plague of the 21st century, and right in the
middle of the EU – a body that has protection of human rights
amongst its most important tenets.
Everyone Group, plus
its supporters, fights this modern-day disease vigorously, in spite
of tremendous opposition from authorities and individuals.
Nothing new I know, but
time has seen little change in their situation. The same people who
persecute and harass them are the very ones who throw their hands up
in horror when asked for their opinion n the treatment of minorities
in other countries.
I think we must assume
that Roma people are not looked upon as citizens of this world. One
has only to look at what happened when that little Roma girl drowned
a few years ago. You forget? Families on the beach were taking photos
on their mobiles, and the body was on the beach in public view for
some time before authorities took action. She was treated, in death,
as no more important than a piece of litter.
Easiest thing to is to
turn our backs - “not my problem” does not absolve anyone. Guilty
by default is the verdict on those who walk by on the other side of
the road.
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