Maligned European immigrants not a demographic problem
Maligned European immigrants not a demographic problem
Friday, February 29, 2008
To the Editor:
Trevor Wagener, in “White Europeans: An endangered species?” (2/28), does make the valid point that Europeans must address the fact that their demographics are changing. However, the true problem is not the one he addresses.
The true crisis in European immigration is whether Europe can resolve the inequality and disadvantages faced by immigrants.
The United States can serve as an example of how to integrate immigrants, just as France can serve as an example of how not to. As far back as the 1700s, “real” Americans (who had immigrated to the United States a few generations prior) feared immigrants like the Germans were a threat to the nation. But because they could learn English, gain employment and were treated equally, assimilation was possible. In the end, assimilation benefited both the immigrants and their new home country, just as it has for the immigrants from all corners of the world who have come to America in past centuries.
The point is not that Europe needs to be more like America, but that Europe needs to get over the fact that it is not going to have a vast white majority. In France, many citizens face poorer living conditions and hostility from white French people simply because they are descended from African immigrants. If the French government could realize these citizens are just as French and European as others, and just want to live a European life, progress would be made on the “problem” of non-white Europeans.
In short, Europe must realize its heritage and its racial makeup cannot be linked forever. The underlying premise of the article — the fact that “Europe will cease to be a white Christian continent” in 150 years is a problem — is why Europe continues to hold unenlightened views and policies on immigration. If Europe can assimilate its immigrants, then regardless of whether the EU president in 150 years is descended from today’s Muslim, Middle Eastern immigrant, he will be, and feel, at heart European, and that is what matters. The real danger is for Europe’s white population to hold onto the falsehood that only they can carry the European torch into the coming centuries, and to exclude others from the promise that full European citizenship holds.
Andrew Feldman
Feb. 26
The writer is a freshman in Morse College.
Comments
None 4 years, 2 months ago
I don't see why it is wrong for Europeans to want to maintain their ethnic heritage. There are significant differences between the different races, and there have been ample example of heterogeneous nations falling apart due to infighting of ethnic groups.
Since there are NO examples of there being a country with 2 or more races and there not being conflict, why should Europeans accept this conflict as inevitable. They would live in a much safer, nicer country if immigrants from Africa and the Middle East never arrived. The same is true in America. Hispanics are 29 times more likely to be in a gang than non-hispanic whites. Blacks are 6 times more likely than whites to commit murder. Sounds to me like it IS the immigrants whites should fear.
Moreover, the idea that a native population should accommodate immigrants is ludicrous. The REASON American immigration worked so well was because immigrants were historically white, and because there was immense social pressure for them to become 'American'. Telling people they should keep their culture when they arrive encourages assimilation not to occur.
GS
None 4 years, 2 months ago
To Mr. Spaniard,
First, I don't think your questions are at all anti-Semitic. Assuming that you are not holding Israel to a higher standard than other countries, or choosing it because you guessed that I’m Jewish, it’s perfectly reasonable to examine this issue by comparing countries.
Let me clarify what I mean when I said that Europe needs to come to terms with immigration. I’m suggesting that it’s not unreasonable for Europeans to wonder about their future demographics. What I wanted to point out is how Europe isn’t even integrating well the small percentage of immigrants that are there. I respect Mr. Spaniard’s sentiments that he would like Spain to remain Spanish, and I would suggest that a good way to do that is to ensure that immigrants are well assimilated into Spanish society. It may be necessary to restrict immigration, and if so, the Spanish government has the authority to do so. The danger is to see immigration universally as a problem, and then to not assimilate those immigrants who do arrive.
The Israeli case differs because of the size of Israel, the identity of the country, and its security threats. Spain has no official religion, according to Chapter 2 of the Spanish Constitution, whereas Israel is officially a Jewish State. Due to the small size of Israel, it is easy for a relatively small number of immigrants to disrupt the current demographics. Combine that with the fact that Israel is haven for persecuted Jews, and that most of its neighbors would like to see it destroyed, and I think Israel has a legitimate reason to at least discuss its demographics.
As a final point, Europe is a very diverse continent, so to claim that there is a universal demographic trend is uncertain at best. Perhaps Mr. Wagener could provide us with sources, so we could examine not only his argument but his premises as well.
-Andrew Feldman
None 4 years, 2 months ago
I would like to ask Mr Feldman if the SAME notions apply to Israel!
Are maligned African immigrants to Israel not a "demographic problem"?
If not, why all the consternation in Israel over them?
Maybe Israel should get over the fact that its not gonna have a Jewish majority forever?
Would the specter of Israel ceasing to be a "Jewish State" bother Mr Feldman?
And if so, why should white Christians be held to a different standard?
Let me guess Mr Feldman...merely utterly such questions amounts to "anti-semitism"...right? (Rolls Eyes)
That said; I have no problem with non white immigrants. In fact, I am quite fond of Latin Americans.
However, white Christians have as much right to want the continuity of our races, cultures and creeds as ANYONE else!
As such, I want Spain to remain Spanish...as much as Israelis want Israel to remain Israeli and a "Jewish State"
None 4 years, 2 months ago
The thing, is, they could stay a pretty much white-only nation if only they would have more babies. Immigration is not inevitable. (That statement was made very neutrally about immigration - I'm not against immigration at all, I was just challenging one of his premises)
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