Every morning on my way to work, I pass under a bridge that was recently finished. Over the weeks, I’ve seen the foundations being plastered, stones moved around, and the scaffolding taken down. And it didn’t take me long to notice that many, if not most, of the workers involved in the project are immigrants.

Upon arriving in Malta, and because I am surrounded by journalists, I quickly figured out that immigration is a major issue in this country. There are many African immigrants, referred to as “irregular migrants” or “asylum seekers,” that come every year looking for better life conditions. They are fleeing horrendous and unimaginable situations in their countries, and leave in search of better opportunities and a safer future for their families. Forget a safer future, in fact. They flee their country to ensure that they do have a future.

And then they arrive in Malta and are faced with hatred and racism. What I’ve noticed over the past month or so, is that many people, unfortunately, are confusing two issues – immigration and culture. I recognise that there is a problem here due to the number of refugees who enter this country every year. Though the numbers may seem small when compared to any other country, in proportion it is a huge number for Malta, who already has the densest population in Europe. With Malta shouldering a disproportionate amount of the burden of African immigrants attempting to reach Europe, clearly the European Union should help to resettle some of Malta’s refugees in other countries.

Fine. So that point is granted, and I agree with it. But what upsets me is the fact that because of the immigration problem, many Maltese have linked it with Africans in general, which has given rise to racism. Whether you want to admit it or not, racism is unfortunately alive and well in this country.

I was at the beach last week and got into an argument with a lady there. She insisted that the African refugees “have no culture,” “are good at nothing” and “have nothing to teach us”. I was flabbergasted and could not even muster up a response. How can one say that people do not have a culture?

She of course followed those comments by saying that she was not a racist, before commenting on other ethnic groups such as the Chinese, saying that at least they had brought something to this country.

The problem is that the African immigrants are not even given a chance to show their culture or to prove that they have much to offer. Like any other ethnic group, they come from countries that have their own customs, their traditions, religions and history. It is unfair and absolutely disgusting to say that “they have no culture”. They are people, no matter what the colour of their skin is.

Perhaps, given that I was brought up in Canada and have lived in New York City for four years, it is easier for me to accept racial differences and be open to other cultures. After all, New York City is the most racially diverse city in the world, and I attend the most diverse university in the United States. So, when I hear comments about black people here, I feel fortunate that I live in a country where cultures have learned to live together. Granted, things are not perfect and there have been many atrocities and battles fought to reach this point. But the United States now has a black man running for president.

I can’t help but feel that the root for the attitude I have too often come across over the past few weeks is ignorance. Ignorance of the real problems, of the roots of those issues, and of the real things those refugees have to go through. Too often, and this is unfortunately true in many, many countries, people take bits and pieces of what they hear from others and repeat it as their own opinion, without looking into things to know more, to form their own personal opinion and properly present their own arguments on the subject.

Cultures have so much to learn from each other, it would be a shame to close a country’s doors to other cultures just to preserve its “identity.” After all, many countries, namely Australia and Canada, have welcomed Maltese immigrants, who have now established their own community and shared some of their traditions with the these countries. Why can’t Malta do the same? Why let skin colour define who should and shouldn’t be in this country?

From talking to locals and ex-pats, who have lived in Malta for many years, I have learned that things have changed a lot recently with regard to society, politics and religion. I can only hope that people’s perception on race will soon follow the same course.