Interethnic dialogue & Minorities’ rights

We’re all part of a minority… How can we define minority? By Criteria By Comparison Being part of minority is something dynamic

How can we define a minority? By CriteriaBy Comparison We can compare two or more parts of a group choosing criteria. In this way one part assumes the role of Majority and the others of Minority. Languages, Religions, Appereances, Experiences, Origins, Social Condition, etc…

The main problems of a meeting between cultures… Differences Personal level Social levelNational level languages habits religion comunication misunderstanding lifestyle stereotypes wars in the past fanatism

The main problems of a meeting between cultures… Personal level: prejudices - stereotypes caused by lack of knowledge, respect and interests Social level: economical differences and intolerance split minorities to ghettos which don’t want to integrate or can’t do it. There are also extremist groups that force people to follow their beliefs because they are afraid of strangers Different languages, habits and religions may lead to misunderstanding between cultures

The main problems of a meeting between cultures… National level: economical interests foster conflicts medias influence people’s minds by creating stereotypes and forcing them to think in only one way laws could be an obstacle preventing integration, because they can be in contrast with other culture’s traditions In conclusion: misunderstandings, prejudices and indifference cause racism, violence and xenophobia; because of this we close our minds.

Europe must facilitate meetings between different countries. In Education Transmit values Learn about other countries and their cultures In communication By promoting the learning of the english language Promoting the learning of different languages Adding more information on websites What can EU do to facilitate the meeting among different cultures?

Travel Cheaper flights More student exchanges Meetings Having meetings more often Have them in a different places Include more countries (outside of the EU) Include more young people

What we can do to facilitate the meeting with a different culture? - Use Respect for other cultures - Avoid Judging without knowing - Be interested in other cultures - Make people feel comfortable with a Welcome Behaviour - Approach media with critical thinking - Improve Communication - Try to Travel in order to Exchange - Use Internet to meet people from other countries - Learn foreign languages EDUCATIONEDUCATION

Characteristics of the future European culture General - Should be composed of all the countries inside Europe and their own cultures. - European culture must be open and ready to receive other cultures that want to take part in it. - All these cultures must be respected and considered at the same level. - There should be more inter-cultural projects

Characteristics of the future European culture Individual -We must care about our own culture, but it’s not a reason to ignore other’s cultures. - That’s the reason why all the European citizens must know and understand every culture that is part of Europe. -Every member of European culture should wish to unite and cooperate -All of us must considerate the possibility to meet other people and their culture as a chance and musn’t be afraid of this opportunity.