Why So Hesitant?

Before we proceed, I will not attempt to bore you with details on reasons why I have not published since April, for excuses I believe are meaningless to the recipient. Instead I will endeavour to regain your audience by covering quite a contentious issue, which I have I tried to approach with both empathy and objectivity.

IF the migrant crisis has shown us one thing, it is that the democratic process does work. I say this because despite the Tories best efforts to ignore the direct humanitarian crisis and focus on “finding a solution to Syria’s problems” (politician speak for washing their hands of a situation) a decision arguably driven by the political cloud looming above. -The European Union referendum. Following the circulation of a petition calling for Britain to accept more migrants (which got more than three times the 100,000 signatures necessary to conduct a Parliamentary debate), the media’s publication of the young boy, Aylan Kurdi’s body being lifted ashore, the millions of migrants arriving on European member states borders and human rights activists lobbying Parliament for long over two years, Cameron has decided to accept more migrants.

We must ask ourselves however why it took such efforts to begin with. Surely in the plight of a humanitarian crisis we assume a moral obligation to assist those fleeing civil war? Well, it appears not.  Of course the situation is not totally devoid of any de jure reality, Article 13(2) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights provides: ‘everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to country.’ There is therefore a right to leave one’s own country. A right exercised by the 350,000 Syrian migrants to have been detected by EU Border force agencies between January and August 2015.  

However, as Professor Pecoud’s highlights, there is no corresponding right to enter another country. Rights, he notes do not derive from universal norms like the convention, but rather from the supply and demand mechanism that determines migrants’ value on the labour market.’ To illustrate Antoine Pecoud’s theory is simple. The reluctance to accept more Syrian migrant is largely due to the fact that they do not have the benefit of market forces, which favour migrants endowed with bargaining power such as a skilled profession. The Syrian migrants are not highly skilled professionals seeking employment. They are instead, undertaking treacherous voyages across the Middle East to flee a government which has violated UN Resolutions prohibiting the use of chemical weapons at least 87 times. As Pecoud’s observes, the lack of bargaining power prompts migrants to accept whatever conditions, as these are likely to already constitute an improvement compared to that of their home state. The United Nations Human Rights Commission suggests migrants are often a victim of the three D’s found to be working in dirty, degrading and dangerous jobs. Can we conclude therefore that unfavourable market forces are the reasons behind the government’s unwillingness to accept more migrants?

Even if, migrants are, as Times journalist James Bloodworth writes‘doing what politicians are usually quick to encourage us to do: they are striving for something better; they are being aspirational. The difference between a refugee and the member of the British middle classes is that for the former the stakes are often a matter of life and death.’ The haunting and distressing images published by the media of the many migrants drowning at sea, reaffirm their courage and desperation. However for many, economically sound states such as Germany and Britain are attracting these ‘aspirational migrants’ due to their welfare systems. A notion Bloodworth contests wholeheartedly writing ‘refugees are not coming because Britain’s soft touch welfare system is drawing them here like wasps to a jam jar; they are coming to Europe in search of a decent and secure life that is free from poverty and war.’

Fear may also be attributable to the general reluctance to assist more migrants. Going back to Pecoud's theory, he notes migration is often viewed as a THREAT. Migration is said to jeopardize the social cohesion, employment opportunities, welfare systems and cultural and religious homogeneity. Such fears arguably, are evident if one is to look to the approach taken by Hungary’s nationalist PM Viktor Orbán.  Who was reported saying ‘those arriving have been raised in another religion, and represent a radically different culture. Most of them are not Christian, but Muslims... This is an important question because Europe and European identity is rooted in Christianity.’ Perhaps, Orbán will do well to take note of Thatcher’s address to the Royal Society ‘No generation has a freehold on this earth. All we have is a life tenancy- with a full repairing lease.’  

Whatever the solution, it is not to be found in fear, prejudice or any form of discrimination based on religious grounds. Equally, measures should ensure the protection of human rights whilst respecting the values of the host state. A balancing act not easily achieved. 

'Dont Kill Your Wives, Let Us Do It!'

Ordinarily, while in the car with my mum I tend to nod off and consequently miss anything particularly eventful going on in the world outside. However, the other day amidst the usual blaring of my brother’s music (which differs substantially from my personal taste in music), comical remarks on how he’d make an excellent driving instructor and my sister singing at the top of her voice in a strange accent which she believed to be similar to that of Beyoncé. I noticed a sign which read ‘don’t kill your wives, let us do it’ to my utter relief it was not an advertisement for those who wished to hire a hit man to kill their wives (though it may well have been since it was so degrading!) – Instead it was an advertisement for a laundrette.  My brother found it hilarious. My mother did not really seem shocked about it, but I, I WAS HORRIFIED! What was most horrifying was the owners of the laundrette genuinely believed the advertisement would entice customers into visiting the laundrette, for want of saving their wives from death resulting from exhaustion due to all of the laundry she does! The pun used by the laundrette reinforces the negative stereotypes of women that we are all familiar with. The blatant disregard for female achievement and accomplishment is evident. Whilst, I recognise the pun to many is JUST a comical and light-hearted advertisement. It is in my view a gender stereotype which is representative of a darker issue underlying society today.

Throughout the 21st century we have seen middle-class feminists criticise and challenge gender stereotypes. Highlighting the ‘glass ceiling’ which exists in the work place or reiterating anecdotes of the sexist comments they have fallen victim to. So why are gender stereotypes such a bad thing? They are not only counter-productive reinforcing to women that they are merely beautiful objects of domestic machinery. Gender stereotypes create what I refer to as a ‘destructive cycle’. To illustrate this destructive cycle I shall give you an example, take the common view that women are merely there to perform domestic tasks and remain subservient. If a women adheres to this, which many in society do (believe it or not) then she is likely to favour these menial tasks over of education. Not only then does this women become bitter over time, having seen nothing more to life than that of her daily tasks, she will also become narrow minded, ignorant and de-valued. By favouring menial tasks over education she will be prevented from looking beyond the constraints of society, to develop and evolve. Surely, when the Suffragettes fought for universal franchise they did so, because they had hoped opinionated, well informed women would vote and potentially enter parliament?

Moreover, the counter-productive stereotype will create a woman of ignorance, who will fragment the unity of females as a whole, as she will be unable to empathise with females who do not wish to conform.  Please, do not get me wrong, I am an advocate of self-help. Truly, I believe that it is only when one becomes reliant on their own ability that they will be able to progress successfully through life. However, how is it that a female who, due to a lack of education, who has become narrow minded and ignorant, able to realise her own potential? She will not. Consequently, the feminist movement will never progress as it should, as women who conform to these counter- productive stereotypes will look upon other women with jealousy, resentment and dislike. There will be no solidarity. This leads me further to my next point on the devaluing nature of gender stereotypes.

Lastly, and perhaps most seriously, gender stereotypes, are not only a surface level problem which is degrading and discouraging. – Reinforcing that a female is merely there to be tasked with domestic chores. It can also be incredibly destructive, as Dr Pillay, speaking for Amnesty International at a conference in Afghanistan emphasises ‘violence against women is endemic’; across the world, not only third world countries but also in the developed western world.  Violence against females is rife. To illustrate this point I am reluctant to quote any statistics as I am certain it will not reflect the true picture. Many women simply do not have a sense of self-worth; domestic violence goes largely unreported as a result of this. Women feel as though by speaking out they will be acting contrary to the stereotypes, their narrow-mindedness leads them to believe perhaps that they are deserving of such treatment or that it is entirely normal. All of which will create a bitter cycle as many of these women will have daughters, they will teach their daughters to conform to these stereotypes and the cycle will continue.

On a brighter note, the issue of gender stereotypes has not fallen beneath the waist line and we are making headway. With the help of celebrity endorsement I am certain society will overcome this ill. Below is a picture of Angelina Jolie in a tailored suit at the BAFTA awards, Jolie unlike other female celebrities opted for a suit – arguably quite a masculine look. Despite the masculine tailoring, Jolie looks chic, feminine and stylish without wearing a dress! - Kudos to her. 

A little about who I am...

So, I'm a law student of 19 years studying in London. I've lived in the Olympic city of Stratford my entire life. I attended the local state school and later progressed to a catholic Sixth Form College. It was here that my interest in politics and current affairs was ignited; having been inspired by both my politics teacher and my colourful surroundings. At sixth form I studied English Literature, History and Government and Politics. London is a notoriously ' multi-cultural' city and I, being a British Indian, I guess,  reflect this. I'm Sikh also; and a fiscal conservative/socialist. Though, it is a word that all too often is given a negative light, I am a proud FEMINIST!- Yes- I said it, I am a feminist. I'm not a man hating lunatic (as I love my father dearly) quite simply I believe that Men and Women are equal. In addition to all of this, my part-time job is a tutor; I practice martial Arts and enjoy skiing. 

As my studies in history have taught me, and what with being a student of law I'm aware of how important the provenance of any source is. Whether it be a blog, an image, an article, a piece of literature, a diary or a piece of academic writing, it is through understanding the environment of the reader, their political, religious and moral beliefs that one will be able to fully understand the opinion that is being formed. What has shaped that opinion and either empathise with, or criticise the opinion that is being expressed. - The former I hope will be the case in this instance. The above being said, I do not wish to commit entirely to the views which I will illustrate. As like society, my views may change. I will do as best I can to provide a neutral argument; which in parts is due to my natural disposition- as a law student we're obliged to give a balanced argument and conclusions, we are told, are a BAD thing! 

Ultimately, I hope my blog will  be insightful and thought provoking. Which I hope will always end on a positive note- looking at things from a positive  perspective I believe lifts the spirits and lessens life's burdens. I look forward to engaging in informed, intellectual, open-minded and sometimes controversial arguments with those that read my blog...

Thank you for taking your time to read a little about the blogger...

Yours faithfully,

Sukveer