TresSugar

South Africa's Xenophobic Violence Displaces Thousands

LibertySugar — Thu, 22 May 2008 06:00:37 -0700

In South Africa, xenophobic attacks on foreigners have left at least 20 people dead and 30,000 displaced. For the first time since apartheid ended, South Africa has deployed its army on its own streets, in an attempt to quell the attacks which began about 10 days ago, and have spread throughout the country.

Taking out their frustration with a 40 percent unemployment rate, inflation, and crime, mobs of locals around Johannesburg are targeting Nigerian-owned businesses, or those who have fled turbulent and nearby Zimbabwe to settle in South Africa. Originally, locals were blaming the migrants for crime and economic hard times; yet, now it appears the violence is purposeless and simply criminal.

While President Thabo Mbeki tries to stop the murdering, abuse, and looting, South African relief agencies are raising funds to help address the long term needs of the thousands of people who have been wounded or displaced. The Red Cross hopes to connect victims with psychological assistance as well as with their families outside the country. The organization also is launching an anti-discrimination campaign in the local communities.

For an inside look at the unrest, check out these pictures. At what point do economic frustration and intolerance turn to widespread violence? How can this tipping point be avoided?

View 5 Photos ›

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Swiss Not Always Neutral - Reject Anti-Immigration Measure

CitizenSugar — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 10:00:22 -0700

In a move away from the nationalistic Swiss People's Party, all but one Swiss state (canton) has voted to reject an anti-immigration initiative designed to stop foreigners from becoming citizens.

The official results showed that 63.8 percent of the population rejected the requirement of having those wishing to become Swiss citizens have their applications put to a vote - a practice some communities use to discourage new citizens.

Switzerland’s President and vocal opponent to the measure said: “The people clearly said ‘We don’t want xenophobia and we want direct democracy to respect basic rights." To see the motivation behind the measure, read more.

The measure was a right wing referendum created to overturn the Supreme Court decision finding it unfair to subject citizen applications to a popular vote. The total turnout for the referendum was 44.1 percent - and in some cantons up to 82 percent voted no.

More than 20 percent of the 7.5 million people who live in Switzerland are foreigners, one of the highest percentages in Europe - and it's not easy to join up. Applicants must live in the country for 12 years before applying for citizenship. Are the Swiss on the right track? Is a bigger welcome mat the best policy?

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Springtime for Hitler? Ad and Doll Bring the Dictator Back

CitizenSugar — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 09:00:08 -0700

This week Mexico's top electoral body has ordered broadcasters to stop showing a TV ad that compares a firebrand leftist leading a shut down of Congress to dictators Hitler and Pinochet. The ad is funded by a Mexican businessman angry at the blockade spurred by opposition lawmakers trying to derail an oil reform plan. He says the actions of protest leader Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador are endangering democracy, "Who shuts congresses? In 1933, Adolf Hitler in Germany."

The spot was shot as a flashback to conservative ads run in the 2006 election campaign, and call the former rights activist and then presidential candidate a danger to Mexico. The voice over says, "Our democracy is in danger. Our peace is at risk. Mexico does not deserve this."

If Hitler on TV isn't enough, Ukraine has just begun selling an action-man style doll of Nazi leader Adolf Hitler and saleswomen are hawking the product, comparing the doll to Barbie. But it's not all fun and games. To see the serious side, read more.

Supermarkets in the capital Kiev are stocking a 20 inch high figure of the Führer, complete with jackboots, leather trench-coat and swastika armband. The $200 doll, conveniently comes equipped with a spare head "with a kind expression on it," glasses and several changes of clothes. In case he travels, I suppose.

Who's buying the doll? The decision to sell it comes amid growing extreme right political sentiment in Ukraine. Some also report of increasing xenophobia and racism, and tell of some extremists supporting racism similar to that of Nazi Germany under Hitler.

Could fans of the doll be a sign that Hitler is becoming popular among disaffected youths, who are too young to remember the effect Nazism wreaked on the world? Is it ever appropriate to use Hitler as a political figure or comparison? Are people softening their attitudes toward him as time passes, or will he perennially be taboo?

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