Debate 2: Tolerance: Metamorphoses and implications Facing social, economic and political challenges Competition of cultural models Citizenship responsibilities and rights

Metamorphoses and implications

Facing social, economic and political challenges

Competition of cultural models

Citizenship responsibilities and rights

Experts: Dominika Kasprowicz, Hywel Ceri Jones, Peter Ripken

Moderator: Wojciech Przybylski

The first speaker Hywel Ceri Jones opened his address by recalling a story he heard about two priests from a small village in rural Ireland. They were in conflict for many years; at times this conflict caused much bitterness and dispute. Eventually he recalled how one priest attempted to apologise, but the other dismissed it and said he was ‘’doing God’s work’’. Moving on from this humorous opening, he quickly moved his address on to the divide within Northern Ireland. He explained that the fragmentation between the Nationalist & Loyalist sides is a conflict that has created much hardship and suffering since the 1960s. He outlined his role within the region in utilising his diplomatic skills to create a sense of understanding between the two sides, with the moves towards peace and reconciliation being made by former paramilitary members.

Moving his speech towards a broader topic, he praised the work done by the European Union which undoubtedly assisted the local network in Northern Ireland. Certainly he by no means laid claim to Europe’s success in galvanising the populations of the North towards a common understanding, yet he emphasised the importance of European funding in creating a more efficient and prosperous country in Northern Ireland. Moving on from the enthralling example of Northern Ireland, he moved his focus more closely onto the European Union. He cited the Charter of Fundamental Rights as a primary example of Europe evolving to a greater degree. He praised the work done by the E.U. but warned of the drastic outcomes if greater uniformity isn’t realised in the coming years.

Focusing on the current problems which engulf Europe from economic, to political and social he outlined the unwelcome consequences that have burdened Europe in recent years. Disillusionment with the actions of European politicians in terms of their reaction to the banking crisis and unemployment figures has led to the rise of extremism! This he warned is a danger that is threatening the vitality of the European project. He argued those who are now suffering must learn from those gone before them to emerge from their present difficulties and remerge stronger. Poverty, deprivation and unemployment are issues that threaten the nature of tolerance within society today. Politicians need to realise the difficulties engulfing the vast majority today must be resolved before it is too late. Europe can work together to promote tolerance, but must first adhere to its own origins and solve the difficulties that it now encounters.

He explains he was never ‘’a starry eyed advocate of the European Union’’. However, examining its core principles he spoke passionately about the need to create jobs and growth across the continent before the idea of the Union becomes something that is shrouded in negativity. Following on from this powerful statement Mr. Jones left those in attendance with an equally forceful question ‘’what kind of Europe do you want’’?

The second speaker Dominika Kasprowicz delivered a presentation on the complexities that exist within the extreme right in Europe today. Coming from a background of excellence in in-tolerance, she utilized PowerPoint visuals to make her presentation more focused and innovative. Beginning by giving an overview of the extreme right within Europe, she cited 3 waves of its progression. The first concept came about at the close of WWII when ethnic groups converged, the 1960s and the new right that accompanied this decade was the second concept she elaborated on, before finally examining the years between 1980-1990. However, once she had shared these three differing concepts, she made an argument for a fourth concept relating to the extreme right beginning after 2008 and the Global Crisis which ensued.

She went onto explain in some detail, the idea of intolerance being supported by right wing parties across the political sphere. The growth of right wing movements could be defined into ‘’4 structures’’. (1) Unemployment (2) Rise of Extremism (3) More extreme debate (4) Mobilization of masses. These differing examples immediately led to an audible sense of worry across Europe. However, attempting not to be too pessimistic she stated quite categorically that if improvements are made to society then the in-tolerance that has been evident in recent years (since the 2008 crisis) will ultimately subside.

The final speaker during the debate Peter Ripken used a quote to begin his argument. He cited Voltaire ‘’I do not like your opinions, but I do not deny you the right to expression’’. Moving on from this captivating remark, Mr. Ripken outlined how across Europe a hatred of foreigners has begun to find more traction. He laid a large portion of blame for this on the Minister of Interior’s from across Europe. He stated quite controversially that these ministers were responsible for an ‘’organized Racism’’ of sorts. He claimed that Europe was to an extent promoting concentration camps in the desert, citing Afghanistan and Iraq as two prominent examples.

Moving on from his controversial opening remarks, he questioned what can you do about such a difficult problem? Can one be brave and willing enough to oppose immigration laws? He lauded the advent of practiced tolerance in certain cities around Europe, hailing Nuremburg as a prominent example of this. Moreover, he also celebrated the fact that Human Rights Implementation, recognized refugees throughout Europe. Following on from this enthusiastic revelation he claimed that solidarity is critical in society today. Those within society who hold prejudice against foreigners cannot be allowed to succeed. Lauding the International City of Refugees Network, he celebrated the fact that this initiative has aided writers and bloggers who spoke out for freedom and suffered consequences.

Moving onto his concluding remarks he once again praised the City Refugee Network, by acknowledging that over 40 cities are now participating in this initiative. He concluded by remarking that the fundamental point to make with Tolerance is that one needs to be more tolerant of each for the mistakes of the past to remain where they belong in the past.

Once the speakers had concluded, they fielded three thought-provoking questions that led to a feisty debate among the panellists that evoked much discussion and energy among all in attendance!