The Malta Independent on Sunday
Prejudice and social justice
‘Justice grows out of recognition of ourselves in each other — that my liberty depends on you being free too.‘ - Barack Obama
On the occasion of Freedom Day, Prime Minister Robert Abela spoke about Dom Mintoff‘s and Labour’s quest for full autonomy. After years of setbacks and social upheaval, the last of the British forces left our Grand Harbour for good on 31 March 1979. It was the beginning of a new era. An era where we finally had full control over our own destiny. Our autonomy was complete, in that we became free to plan and decide solely according to our own needs.
Our fundamental principles
The Labour Party’s vision for a new Malta was and is always based on social justice and equality. Fast-forward to the present day, these fundamental principles are interwoven into the very essence of this government’s raison d’etre, all along since 2013. There is no denying that the last eight years of Labour’s tenure have seen Malta prosper and transform.
The legislative, economic, social and administrative reforms that have taken place since 2013 show this government’s determination and belief in social justice, the rule of law and equal treatment of all citizens irrespective of their gender, age, abilities, political inclinations and ethnicity. Labour’s vision for an inclusive and equitable Malta is an ongoing process that will continue to take precedence in the years ahead.
Unity vs prejudice
The British literary critic Terry Eagleton says that ‘genuine equality means not treating everyone the same but attending equally to everyone’s different needs’. This is precisely what the Labour Government is practising, and in fact - more than any other time in our history - there should be no “them and us”, there is only us.
In his Freedom Day speech, Dr Abela stressed on the importance of equality, respect and unity and the eradication of
prejudice. In today’s world social justice is just as relevant as it was in bygone days. Taking our very own experience of the domination and suppression we as Maltese experienced up to 1979, we might think that today social justice is not a big issue. However, this is not so especially where prejudice is concerned.
Explicit prejudice
Prejudice can take two forms – explicit and implicit or subtle prejudice. As an example, explicit prejudice occurred in Malta in the 1960’s – the dark and turbulent years of the Interdett. Persons who sympathised with the Labour Party and voted for Dom Mintoff were excommunicated by the Catholic Church. The Nationalist government of the time was aided and abetted by the Church led by Archbishop Gonzi, in full cognisance of its actions. Labour supporters were marginalised, mistreated and systematically oppressed and made to suffer for their political beliefs - both on a governmental and personal level.
Thank God, this form of prejudice is now a thing of the past, but its learned lessons are never to be ignored. However, subtle, and implicit prejudice is subliminal and frequently automatic and still remains prevalent in our society.
Subtle prejudice
Subtle prejudice lends to unjustified assumptions and failure to make the effort to include people who are different from ourselves or do not fit our expectations or tastes. In a recent article on the BBC website, a word for the expressions of subtle prejudice was labelled ‘micro-aggressions’. These were described as things such as repeating a thoughtless stereotype, or too readily dismissing someone’s viewpoint - actions that may seem unworthy of comment, but nevertheless marginalise an individual.
As an example, persons might say they are not sexist but if they interrupt women more than men in meetings, they would be displaying an implicit sexist attitude which is very different from that nonsexist attitude they profess to adhere to.
As a woman, I can relate to a myriad of subtle, implicit prejudices that I encounter on a daily basis in my public and private life. This form of prejudice is endemic in a good part of our society. It is my firm belief however, that in time, and with the help of further incentives that push forward women as valid and capable members of society, we will overcome these hurdles especially if we start focusing on our children.
Our children
Science has proven that prejudice and bias involve both adults and children. As a mother of two young children, it is my firm belief that eradication of prejudice should start from an early age. As a general rule, discussions on bias, diversity, discrimination and social justice, are taught to our children mostly in middle school. However, it is a fact that children from a very early age understand the concept of fairness. They have a basic notion of what is right from wrong and what is just and unjust. They are aware that there are differences between girls and boys and notice physical disabilities and hair or skin colour.
Research has shown that children as young as 3, when exposed to prejudice tend to embrace it and accept it even though they might not understand the feelings. American educator Charles R. Swindoll states that ‘prejudice is a learned trait. You’re not born prejudiced; you’re taught it.’
On a positive note, however, bias can be unlearned or reversed if children are exposed to diversity in a positive way. Educators and parents need to encourage children to notice differences and at the same time, honour people’s identities without judging or discriminating based on differences. Simply put, noticing people’s differences
is natural, but when adults assign judgements or value these differences, bias can develop in children.
Labour’s quest
It is a fact that we need to identify and eliminate barriers to the full and equitable social participation of all persons, irrespective of their gender, ideology, abilities and beliefs. This is why the Labour government is doing its utmost to help and encourage minorities, persons with disabilities, women, the elderly and disadvantaged adults and children to reach their full potential.
It is the only way forward. No one should be left behind. We are all contributors irrespective of our status in life. This Government’s legislative and administrative changes towards a more equitable, just and inclusive society is a step in the right direction. For changes to be holistic however, we have to open our hearts and minds and contribute towards the betterment of our society as one cohesive force.
Shedding our ego and eliminating our biases, prejudices and foregone conclusions about each other is the only way we can ensure that the fabric of our society remains intact. Our children deserve a better future. The Malta they will inherit should be a beacon of social justice, equality and non-discrimination. It is up to us - individually and collectively.