ELISA M.

THE EU: A PLACE WHERE TO BE STRONG TOGETHER

To begin with, I reckon everyone should have a strong belief in what the EU is. Having said that, the EU is a unique economic and political union between 27 countries, whose policy is directed against hunger, desperation and poverty, besides obviously fighting against discrimination. Nonetheless, unity in diversity is one of the most vital goals the EU promotes. First of all, I intend to examine the prestige that coexistence, as a phenomenal value offers.

According to recent research, living in a multifaceted society has the power to reduce discriminations and racism: when you experience or see more of something, diversity becomes “normal”. This statement conveys the idea that tolerance between different cultures is conceivable. Furthermore, it suggests that diversity enriches our community through shared experiences with different people.

Nevertheless, diversity brings on some disadvantages not to be underestimated. Sure enough, it tends to create language barriers, which implicate the inception of segregation; namely, the policy of keeping one group of people apart from another. Moreover, studies have shown that in a mixed society, civic disengagement is more likely to occur. This means that more and more people become neutral regarding political decisions.

As regards the issue concerning language barriers, I strongly consider that this is a temporary issue easily resolvable if different people learn the language of the country they move to. Conversely, I believe that civic disengagement is a more severe issue, that only the governments can manage.

On balance, diversity, as well as being an extraordinarily efficient tool to become more broad-minded and compassionate, is the first step to guarantee a serene life without feeling oppressed by the society. As Maya Angelou says: “In diversity there is beauty and there is strength”.