Listen to this note:
Today I woke up with a heavy heart. I am saddened by how humanity seems unable to learn from its mistakes. The enduring legacy of colonialism and imperialism, with its corrosive impacts – dividing countries, races and establishing castes – continues to unfold before our eyes. These entrenched systems of oppression, xenophobia and racism have resurfaced, allowing human rights abuses, once universally condemned, to re-emerge with alarming force.
The election results point to a chilling reality for marginalized communities around the world: racial and ethnic minorities, women and girls, the poor, migrant workers, persecuted minorities, people with disabilities, and many others considered “less powerful” face new threats of exploitation.
Systemic racism, xenophobia, colorism and prejudice, while far from new, appear to have revived with greater intensity.
The worrying fact is that many citizens accept or are indifferent to these discriminatory forces, reflecting the deep-rooted power imbalances that fuel oppression. These fundamental problems are not merely vestiges of the past; they continue to manifest themselves today, providing worrying permission for discrimination to re-enter both public and private spheres.
Communities most at risk include those who lack adequate protections and who have endured persecution and marginalization, whether at the hands of governments or exploitative actors in the private sector. This includes low-wage migrant workers, ethnic and racial minorities, immigrants, prisoners, women and girls, refugees, and other vulnerable groups. These people, already among the most overlooked and undervalued, now face a rising tide of xenophobia and anti-immigrant policies.
We cannot afford to ignore the resurgence of these regressive ideologies. History has shown us the heartbreaking consequences of unchecked prejudice and discrimination.
Now, more than ever, we must stand united against oppression in all its forms, defending justice, equality and dignity for all people, regardless of their origin or social status.
Humanity’s true strength lies in its diversity, and our collective progress depends on our ability to learn from our past and advocate for a future based on compassion and inclusivity.
We know that the work of cultural diffusion is essential for the expansion of hatred, and in Casa Circulo Cultural We will reinforce our commitment to continue working hard with and for our community.
You may be interested in: Verónica Escámez, founder of Casa Círculo Cultural, receives Ohtli Award 2022
