Kommentar |
Almost every day we read or hear in the media about refugees and forced migration. This is not surprising as there are war, poverty and upheaval in many countries of the world which cause people to leave their homes in search of a safer, better life elsewhere. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, UNHCR, presently more than 70 million people are on the move – and many of them want to come to Europe. Even though we don’t hear and read as much about it anymore – still thousands of people are risking, and only too often losing, their lives while trying to reach the supposedly safe countries in Europe. At the same time we read about the rise of right wing parties in many countries and an increase of racist motivated violence against people who are perceived as different, ”other”, not belonging.
In the seminar we will deal with historic, as well as the present aspects of racism and migration: What are the roots of racism? How did it historically develop? How does racism interact with other dimensions of difference such as gender, class or disability? Is there an ”old” racism and a ”new” racism and, if so, what are the differences? And last but not least: What can we as democratic societies - but also as individuals - do against racism?
Please note: For confirmation of participation students are expected to make a short presentation. |