Volume 3 No 2 - 2000
EDITORIAL
K. Cameron
This number of EUROPA online is devoted to some of the issues surrounding minority groups in Europe. We look at political, linguistic and social aspects of what, in many ways, is a perennial preoccupation. Are minority groups given the same opportunities as those which are in the majority? It may be that there are certain perceived injustices in current practices and it is to be hoped that they will disappear in the near future.
In any democratic society it is rare that the decisions of the majority are accepted without criticism by all. It is one of the paradoxes that we all strive towards the establishment and the maintenance of democracy and yet the very system brings with it inherent problems and a curtailment of individual rights. States are run by politicians, who have been elected by a majority of the electorate to put their political manifestos into effect. Such policies often have to overlook the needs of certain individuals for the greater good of the majority - or so it is said. If a minority group feels threatened, it can seek its own autonomy but even within the resulting smaller unit there will be those who will feel victims of the 'system'.
Recent events have shown how minorities can be so incensed by their sense of being victimised that it can lead to open hostility, civil war and a horrifying loss of life. In other communities, racial and religious tensions have led to a disruption of a society and have constituted a threat to its future wellbeing. Many of the factors influencing such outcomes are to be found in historical acts which are only remembered in times of conflict or social dissent and which are exacerbated by a notion of perceived injustice. Such dissension is at variance with the humanitarian ideal whereby people of all races and beliefs should be able to live side by side in peace and harmony and yet it is still prevalent in spite of widespread education and the experience of centuries of futile conflict. Our aim must be to remove the reasons for social dissatisfaction.
Can one realistically hope that inequality and unjust, even if they are legal, social practices will eventually be corrected? The only way to ensure that they are is to embark upon a campaign of social education and information. It is only by giving the overlooked minorities a voice and by drawing attention to their plight that we can make those in authority and the general public aware of the situation. If we publicise injustices then we will eventually influence public opinion and hence political decisions. It is a long process but one to which we, as individuals, should be committed in the belief that, through our individual efforts, we can bring about a collective change and enhance life for all.
Copyright © 2000 Intellect Ltd, EFAE, Earl Richards Road North, Exeter, England, EX2 6AS