Let No One Deceive You: Nothing Has Been Abolished
In an era where it may seem that the dark chapters of slavery and discrimination are behind us, the reality of 2024 paints a different picture. While physical chains may no longer bind, new forms of oppression have emerged – subtle yet equally destructive. The system has evolved to the point where colonizers no longer seek out slaves; instead, individuals sometimes willingly run towards exploitation, even pleading to be used. The shadow of past centuries still looms over our society. Slavery, racism, and discrimination, though dressed in new clothes, still plague our world. Far from the atrocities of the past, these ills manifest themselves today in a more insidious, but no less harmful way.
Migrant workers: a modern slavery
Promises of a better life lure migrant workers into a complex web of exploitation. Visas laden with red tape, exorbitant financial burdens, and the obligation to provide guarantees bind them to unscrupulous employers.
This modern-day slavery masquerades as an intricate system and unreasonable financial demands. To even be considered for immigration or education, migrant workers must demonstrate substantial financial means, high level of education, etc.
Even thought, they are labeled in the system as "foreigners" or worse, "undocumented," aliens, further fueling their exploitation. Their journey is marked by exorbitant taxes, mountains of paperworks, and the ever-elusive dream of freedom or permanent residency. Millions of migrant workers, enticed by mirages of prosperity, find themselves trapped in the limbo of this exploitation. The contemporary face of slavery takes new forms. Their journey is fraught with obstacles, from high taxes to stringent criterias.
The act of forced categorization highlights a power imbalance but their skills and dynamism represent a substantial source of revenue for various governments and a readily exploitable workforce based on their own demand, quite different from the ancient slavery times. They pay income taxes, sales taxes, and other contributions. Their fiscal contributions amount to billions of dollars each year, funding essential public services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. They fill some of the most challenging job positions, driving economic growth. Some even become entrepreneurs, establishing businesses and investing in local communities. Moreover, they help address labor shortages in key sectors of the economy. They bring their unique cultures and traditions, enriching society and promoting diversity.The system is not without its flaws. The selection of immigrants and students is highly meticulous, and many governments take advantage of their vulnerability by imposing exorbitant fees and difficult living conditions.
Systemic racism: an institutional poison
Discrimination knows no borders; its insidious tendrils reach deep into institutions where seemingly innocuous practices perpetuate systemic racism. Consider the commonplace requirement of official forms that demand migrant workers categorize themselves by racial labels such as "black," "yellow," "indigenous," or "transgender." These categories are reminiscent of historic government forms used to justify oppression, and they remain detrimental today.
No limitations ! These forms of labeling doesn't simply describe; it reinforces limitations. Systemic racism operates within institutions, leading to racial profiling, barriers to accessing essential services, and perpetuating socioeconomic inequalities. The effects of this discrimination extend beyond the borders of nations, and can also impact individuals based on their gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability status. This practice not only highlights the injustice of systemic racism but also facilitates the conditions for modern-day slavery.
By dehumanizing and categorizing individuals based on race, migrant workers become more vulnerable to exploitation. It perpetuates a harmful social hierarchy, and creates an environment where those deemed 'different' have limited recourse against abuses."
Discrimination: an injustice with many faces
Asking a migrant to identify themselves based on categories such as undocumented, black, white, transgender, and so forth, indeed is a form of discrimination. This practice oversimplifies complex individual identities, reinforces stereotypes, and contribute to the marginalization of certain groups. It is crucial to approach the identification and categorization of individuals with sensitivity, recognizing the diversity and uniqueness of each person. Respecting individuals' self-identification and avoiding the imposition of labels based on arbitrary criteria is fundamental for fostering inclusivity and combating discrimination. Whether it is race, religion, sexual orientation or gender, minority groups suffer the brunt of discrimination on a daily basis. Access to housing, health and public services is often denied or impeded, relegating them to the margins of society.
Even once emancipated, modern slaves continue to face discrimination. Despite obtaining conditional freedom, visas, they remain perpetually on the fringes, excluded from the right to vote in their host country. Institutions, in collaboration with authoritarian leaders installed in their countries of origin, keep them in precarious positions. Fleeing their homeland becomes the only option to embrace a system that welcomes them as asylum seekers, illegal immigrants, students, visitors, researchers, but never as equals.Discrimination - Racism - Slavery
Author's note:
Modern slavery, racism, and discrimination are not isolated phenomena. They are rooted in colonial exploitation and imperialism, which have etched structural injustices into the marble that are still visible today. Globalization and neoliberalism have exacerbated inequalities and created a breeding ground for the exploitation of migrant workers. Austerity policies and labor market flexibility have made workers more vulnerable to abuse. Combating modern slavery, racism, and discrimination requires collective mobilization and a challenge to the power structures in place. It is imperative to dismantle systems of oppression and build a society based on justice and equality. As informed and engaged citizens, we have a responsibility to break the chains of injustice.
Do all necessary, in peace and no violence. Demand concrete change, support organizations that fight against these scourges, and raise our voices to defend the rights of all. Let us never forget: slavery has not been abolished, it has metamorphosed. Only constant vigilance and determined action will allow us to build a future where exploitation and discrimination will no longer have a place. Let us be the architects of a world where freedom and equality are no longer empty words.
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