Some may beg to differ while others may openly declare that no race is mentally superior to another, thus abstaining from the subject of racism, but in truth, here in Malta, whether we admit it or not – the element of racism is in each and every one of us.

What makes us partially racist is guided by the amount of criminality committed by foreigners. Sadly it is not our sense of superiority that makes us feel this way but a natural reaction because of the negative attitude we are exposed to through their behaviour.

What makes us partly racist is the constant recurrence of shocking crimes.

Therefore who can blame us for feeling this way? I myself have the pleasure of knowing foreigners married to Maltese women, who are as loyal as apostles to their wives, ideal fathers and masters in the art of prudence, but because of some sadistic bullies, we are partially racist without meaning to be – without wanting to be.

What is so very wrong in being complete and not partial racists is that the Maltese love to generalise. If some priests are arraigned in court and charged with paedophilia, then all priests are such.

If a lawyer is corrupt, then all the members of the judiciary are branded as dishonest, if a doctor is a quack, then all doctors should have their licence taken away.

That there is an element of racism in all of us is indisputable but that we are inconsiderate enough to vilify by thoughts, deeds and actions and create further division will only serve to instill more hatred, violence and vengeance.

In spite of trying hard to deny the fact, however, we are frustrated racists not because we want to be.

The Maltese are known for their friendly nature but because of a minority of foreign tramps who have harassed many a Maltese, the racist element has grown.

We are racist, which is a devastation in itself because we don’t really want to be. And that is the heartbreak of it all.

Valerie Borg

VALLETTA