dw.com
Low Tolerance Towards Minorities Fuels Violence in Romania
A December 2023 Avangarde survey shows that only a small percentage of Romanians would accept members of minority ethnic groups as family or colleagues, with recent violent attacks against ethnic Hungarians further highlighting the intolerance and lack of community spirit.
- What are the immediate consequences of the low levels of tolerance towards ethnic minorities in Romania, as revealed by recent surveys and violent incidents?
- A recent survey reveals low tolerance among Romanians towards ethnic minorities, with only a small percentage accepting them as family or colleagues. This lack of acceptance contributes to a deficient sense of community, exacerbating existing societal divisions. Recent attacks on ethnic Hungarians highlight this intolerance.
- What measures can the Romanian government and society take to address the root causes of intolerance and prevent future incidents of violence against ethnic minorities?
- The persistent low tolerance, coupled with instances of violence against minorities and a lack of effective government response, points towards a concerning trend of societal polarization in Romania. This risks further destabilizing the country and hindering its integration with the broader European community. The legacy of past conflicts like the 1990 Târgu Mureș violence continues to cast a shadow, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to promote tolerance and reconciliation.
- How do historical events, such as the 1990 Târgu Mureș violence, and the current political climate contribute to the ongoing tensions between ethnic groups in Romania?
- The low tolerance towards minorities, as evidenced by the Avangarde survey, is linked to broader issues of societal cohesion and political radicalization. Incidents like the assault on two Hungarian teenagers after a football match illustrate the real-world consequences of this intolerance, echoing historical tensions. The government's response, or lack thereof, further fuels these concerns.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the issue primarily through the lens of negative incidents and historical conflicts, emphasizing the intolerance and violence directed towards minorities. While acknowledging the existence of positive developments, the overall tone and emphasis on negative events create a predominantly negative narrative that might overshadow the efforts to foster peaceful coexistence. The headline or introduction could be more balanced by mentioning the ongoing efforts towards reconciliation and integration alongside the historical conflicts.
Language Bias
The language used is mostly neutral, but the article relies heavily on descriptions of violent events and uses words like "radicalization," "extremist parties," and "anti-Hungarian." These terms could be considered loaded and contribute to a more negative tone than might be necessary for a balanced presentation. More neutral phrasing could be used, focusing on the acts themselves rather than the immediate labeling of actors and motivations. For instance, instead of "extremist parties," the article could describe them as "political parties espousing ultranationalist views.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on conflicts between Romanians and Hungarians, and Romanians and Roma people, but omits other potential inter-ethnic conflicts or positive examples of inter-ethnic relations in Romania. While acknowledging the historical significance of the mentioned events, a more balanced perspective would include examples of successful integration or cooperation between different ethnic groups. The lack of this context could lead to a skewed understanding of the overall ethnic relations in the country. The article also omits mentioning the legal frameworks and governmental actions taken to address and prevent such inter-ethnic conflicts, limiting a complete understanding of the issue.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic view of the causes of ethnic tensions, focusing primarily on the lack of tolerance within the majority population. While this is a significant factor, the analysis overlooks other contributing factors such as socioeconomic disparities, historical grievances, and the role of political opportunism in exacerbating these tensions. The narrative does not explore the complexities and nuances of these issues, leading to an oversimplified portrayal.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights a history of interethnic violence and intolerance in Romania, particularly between Romanians and Hungarians, and Romanians and Roma people. The lack of accountability for past atrocities and the persistence of discriminatory attitudes hinder the achievement of peaceful and inclusive societies. Incidents of violence and hate speech, coupled with the apparent lack of effective law enforcement and prosecution of hate crimes, demonstrate a weakness in institutions responsible for maintaining peace and justice.