With an information overload we are used to nowadays, it doesn't take long, for a cataclysmic event to be forgotten in a jiffy as new events move up the ladder of our news portals.  Whether this is good or not, I will never be able to say.  What I am afraid of is that this process will make us forget that issues need to be addressed and just talking about them for a day or two is not enough to resolve them.   

That is why I choose to bring up this topic in this opinion piece.

As a matter of fact, the Faculty for Social Wellbeing organized a seminar, 'Lassana Cisse - A story of racial hatred: Responding with Peace' and a statement drafted by Jamie Bonnici on behalf of the Faculty was presented that laid out a road-map we could and should be addressing following the untimely and violent murder of this young man who was simply going about his own business.

Lest we forget, 56 years ago, the great Dr Martin Luther King Jr spoke of his dream for an end to racism in the United States.  At the time he had said that he hoped that his children might grow up in a world where they are judged according to the content of their character, as opposed to the colour of their skin.  He was a firm believer that the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend is 'love', stating that "darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that".  Principled but maybe idealistic words some would dare to say.  True enough.  But what are communities without principles and without hope?

As the Faculty statement goes, 'In Malta, as well as across the globe, we are sadly witnessing a rise in populist, xenophobic sentiment.  Whilst recent inexcusable events such as that of Lassana Cisse might leave us feeling angry, we would be wise to heed Martin Luther King Junior's words by responding with peace, if we want to see a positive change that is sorely needed.'  Yes, that is assuming we do not want to stick our heads in the sand and think that all is fine and dandy.   

As Pope John Paul II said, "Violence is a lie, for it goes against the truth of our faith, the truth of our humanity. Violence destroys what it claims to defend: the dignity, the life, the freedom of human beings."

So, how can we foster a sense of peace and solidarity with those who are victimized for being "different" in some way?

Pope John Paul II, in his 2001 World Day of Peace message reminded us that "...dialogue between cultures emerges as an intrinsic demand of human nature itself, as well as of culture. It is dialogue which protects the distinctiveness of cultures as historical and creative expressions of the underlying unity of the human family, and which sustains understanding and communion between them."

Many have spoken, and I reiterate that there are many ways in which we can tackle hate to ensure our communities are of a good nature.  The Southern Poverty Law Center in America, a civil rights organisation, outlines a few ways on how we can overcome hate within our communities:

Firstly, we must act and do something, because remaining passive sends the signal that we condone what has happened.  This needn't be more than a small gesture whether attending a vigil or sharing your thoughts with friends and family.  Silence and inaction in such circumstances are not golden at all.

Secondly, we need to create a positive response by supporting victims of racism and letting them know we care, through acts of kindness and solidarity.  We need to guide and support people to seek the help they require whether it is legal or psychological or other.  We need to encourage them to obtain the assistance they rightfully deserve - but we need to accompany and support. 

Thirdly, it is helpful to avoid entering heated arguments with someone we encounter who holds racist beliefs.  It is important that we create a safe space for debate even if the ideas are way too different from one's own.  Adopting a peaceful approach to understanding their reasoning might be the furthest thought in 'your' mind, however we must remember that people do not simply change their firmly held beliefs on the basis of a single discussion or by head-on argumentation.  Rather, it is more effective to take small steps that lay the groundwork for someone to begin questioning their own beliefs about certain issues.

Finally, let us acknowledge that hate does not occur in a vacuum.  What is happening is the result of a 'previous' action.  There is no excuse in the world for racism or other acts of hatred and we need to recognise that people who hold such strong opinions are usually the product of a community marked by division.  Divided we do not stand, we do not survive, and we do not have quality of life.    Alienated communities lead to residents who feel powerless and threatened, where difference is a cause for fear rather than celebration.  Therefore, by keeping this in mind and striving to do our part within our communities, we may well find that united communities are the best cure for hate.   

The recipe? Simple, 'Peace'.

'It has been brought to my attention that Erin Tanti's decision not to pursue his course of studies at the UM was a decision he took for himself.  The University confirmed that it did not stop him from his studies and no-one intervened to stop him .  This is indeed reassuring knowing well-enough (as I indicated In my opinion) that the UM has, to my knowledge, been supportive of a number of people who are either awaiting judgement or even have been sent to prison that are allowed to read courses at the UM.'