Observations on connectedness and conflict

The history of humankind is, pretty much, a history of migrations. Long before the raising of borders, banners and bureaucracies, people filtered, in small groups, in considerable numbers, all the way to major Exodus, from one part of the globe to another. Diaspora is the concept.

Insofar as they were seeking better living conditions, you can see this as a drawing on the resources of the new land. But, equally noteworthy is the fact that displaced people are in a deep state, albeit submerged (even from them), of shock. This I think is fairly obvious: Is there not some well-worn text that addresses ‘moving house’ as one of the major causes of stress? I stand to be corrected, but I seem to recall Going on Holiday being recorded on the same list! Imagine then the plight, not just of the refugee escaping definite horror, but even of the economically displaced, facing they know not what, in a relatively untapped environment.

I am not about to address the pathos surrounding these ‘migratory groups’, large or small, though this bears thinking about. What I would like to cast a light beam on is their contribution to their new land and country. Not only do they effect an incredible infusion of fresh outlook, paradigms and skills, as well as spearheading fresh trade, but (and notwithstanding logistical challenges), but (and listen up, folks) you do not leave your home for fun!

What I am in effect saying is that migrations may on the surface appear as an imposition to those already on the ground, but on closer inspection this often appears to be nothing more than scapegoating, seeking out soft targets for one’s own frustrating, debilitating ills. A fact which does bear scrutiny is that very often diasporas expand the cultural, technical and economic scope of the settled land.

Severa Rech Cassarino