Demographic future in Italy and coexistence in a multi-ethnic society

(by Massimiliano D'Elia) The presence of foreign populations in our community is becoming more and more impressive and Italy, which is taking on increasingly varied facets, is in the process of transforming from a country of emigration to a country of immigration. Observing the most recent facts, we notice how this phenomenon is becoming a real "emergency" with a considerable social impact. The migratory waves have turned into real tragedies of the sea whose protagonists are men, women and children of various ages, cultures and religions who embark in search of hope by fleeing from a difficult situation, but who often fail to reach the fixed place or the one promised. Moved by desperation, they leave on board boats where hygiene conditions are at the limit of decency. There are thousands of deaths from asphyxiation, hunger, epidemics ... in addition to the tens of thousands who unfortunately do not survive the shipwrecks, or are savagely killed by their own smugglers. The "lucky" few who complete the journey of hope land in Italy, where they are often forced to live illegally, without permits, without assistance and often without work ... therefore on the margins of society. The other delicate aspect on which I want to focus attention is the effects that this phenomenon reflects on the social, political and economic context of our country. As mentioned, poverty, crime and unemployment are growing exponentially, as well as the difficulty of the institutions themselves and local authorities in dealing with this emergency. Their presence strongly feeds illegal work, an aspect that does not benefit the country's coffers given the current economic and financial crisis. International institutions are mobilizing to contain and limit this phenomenon, but no one has had the most adequate legal and structural courage, only promises. Everyone repeats that the salvation of human life is the priority. We Italians have understood this before the others and have saved hundreds of thousands of them. Faced with international inaction, the fact is that thousands of refugees are on our territory and our society is becoming more and more multiracial. The phenomenon, even if it is frightening, must be studied and metabolized by civil society as an essential social evolution that will tend to stabilize over the years and that could in any case strengthen our nation. The United States of America has shown that integration between different ethnic groups is not impossible, indeed it contributes to making a people great. Certainly it will be necessary to give references that unify membership. In America is the flag. Everyone huddles and cries around the flag and the national anthem. You see the stars and stripes flags everywhere: on the roofs of the houses, on the shops and even in all the churches to the left of the altar. We should also start singing the hymn and pay homage to the flag every morning in the classroom. We need to foster the culture of national symbols. Only in this way could we give a sense of belonging to everyone, before proposing ius soli, cultura etc, etc.

 

Demographic future in Italy and coexistence in a multi-ethnic society

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