lets not ignore it: racism is on the rise in Malta

scareglow · 2019-08-06T11:08:38+02:00

Explore the rising issue of racism in Malta through personal experiences and observations about locals' attitudes towards foreigners.

scareglow Active member

Member since 14 April 2013

scareglowActive member06 August 2019 09:08:38

I have been in Malta for almost 7 years. Since I have dark hair, a beard and I'm neither translucent or very dark skinned I'm usually approached by locals in Maltese as I pass off as Maltese.
But let's not ignore the issue that racism is on the rise. Not only have I been involved in a lot of awkward conversations with locals about all the foreigners are destroying the country, I have also witnessed open racism, not only against African immigrants but also aimed towards Scandinavian looking people. I have therefor started asking coworkers if they have experienced racism and the majority of to more Northern European looking ones have had their fair share.
If you read Times of Malta you will also be aware of several issues such the refugee who was shot, politicians stating that 'Maltese shouldn't do menial jobs, so immigrant should do it' or the priest who praised a Nazi sympathizer. Not to forget the pork sandwich incident at the only mosque on the island a few years ago.
Don't get me wrong, over all Maltese are very friendly and hospitable, but there is a dark side of Maltese culture that is not discussed that often. The faster the development (supported by EU funds, escalated by greedy businessmen) the more pushback.
So if you're dark-skinned, or blonde or don't pass off as Maltese it might not all be 'positive vibes only'.

NOTE: yes, I'm aware it's not only a Maltese problem.

sjan Contributor

Member since 18 August 2013

sjanContributor06 August 2019 11:54:44

105

After 30 years as a resident I am happy to say that I have always been accepted as an active positive resident. The trick is simple; either go with the flow or leave. The choice is yours.

Look to yourself not to others when you feel that you are not accepted.

When in Rome do as the Romans do.

Too many incomers try imposing their habits. way of life and even religion/poliitcs on the indigenous folk and that's a big mistake.

Integration means adopting/adapting to the Maltese way.

Crying racist ticket is an easy and sad way to try to enjoy life in any country outside your own.

ditty123123123123 Member

Member since 29 August 2019

ditty123123123123Member29 August 2019 08:52:23

You're not wrong, but as you already point out - it's quite a global problem. In the US, Trump rhetoric encourages racism, in the North you have groups like "Sons of Odin", and in Italy Salvini聽 is really milking the anti-immigrant rhetoric. If anything Malta is even more impacted due to our small size

I dont think that "if you dont go with the flow, go home" is a valid defense either. Racism often happens even if you try your best to integrate... but people discriminate based on things you have no control over.

It's very tough, globally as a whole we need to get used to a more multi-national situation, but I do think that Maltese in general fare a lot better than most in this regard. I keep up with the news (my favorite is using ) and it seems that in general more positive things happen than negative