Spain's SER radio preaches humanity, and the debate turns against it
A SER radio comment about a lack of humanity during the Ceuta migration crisis has sparked a wave of accusations of double standards. Solidarity for everyone, or only for some.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
Solidarity and humanity: SER's double standard
Is solidarity a principle or an excuse? A remark by Spanish radio network SER has gone down badly. The station said that "the worst thing is not the lack of solidarity, but the lack of humanity" amid the migration tension in Ceuta and Melilla. The reactions came quickly: from accusations of "media terrorism" to calls for journalists to lead by example and take migrants into their own homes.
Some commentators argue that the humanity discourse applies only to those who arrive, but not to the Spaniards living in those cities. "Of course they are not their compatriots," it was even said. Politician Pilar Alegría and party official Intxaurronda were also directly challenged: if they talk about humanity, they should start at home.
The tone of the exchange descended into insults and name-calling, including some that resorted to dehumanising those who think differently. Nothing new: when the argument runs out, dogma shows up.
The practical conclusion: demanding humanity costs nothing. Practising it is another matter entirely.
Is solidarity a principle or an excuse? A remark by Spanish radio network SER has gone down badly. The station said that "the worst thing is not the lack of solidarity, but the lack of humanity" amid the migration tension in Ceuta and Melilla. The reactions came quickly: from accusations of "media terrorism" to calls for journalists to lead by example and take migrants into their own homes.
Some commentators argue that the humanity discourse applies only to those who arrive, but not to the Spaniards living in those cities. "Of course they are not their compatriots," it was even said. Politician Pilar Alegría and party official Intxaurronda were also directly challenged: if they talk about humanity, they should start at home.
The tone of the exchange descended into insults and name-calling, including some that resorted to dehumanising those who think differently. Nothing new: when the argument runs out, dogma shows up.
The practical conclusion: demanding humanity costs nothing. Practising it is another matter entirely.
Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (22 replies).
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