"Emigration is no longer a solution; it's a defeat. People are risking death, drowning every day, but they're knocking on doors that are not open"
About this Quote
Tahar Ben Jelloun's quote, "Emigration is no longer a service; it's a defeat. Individuals are risking death, drowning every day, however they're knocking on doors that are closed", speaks to the complex and often perilous nature of contemporary emigration. It inspects the once-perceived notion of migration as a promising option, reframing it rather as a desperate and defeatist act.
First of all, the assertion that emigration is "no longer a service" suggests a shift in viewpoint. Historically, emigration has been viewed as a viable escape from economic challenge, political repression, or social instability, offering expect a much better life. However, Ben Jelloun challenges this view by highlighting the intensifying threats and lessening opportunities that identify contemporary migratory routes. The phrase "it's a defeat" implies that those who select to leave are conceding to the overwhelming challenges in their homeland instead of discovering a real pathway to enhancement.
Additionally, the imagery of people "running the risk of death, drowning every day", captures the treacherous and typically lethal journeys migrants undertake. This stark reality underscores the desperation felt by numerous, wherein the simple hope of a much better future outweighs the risk of death. It acts as a powerful suggestion of the humanitarian crisis enveloping migration, where human lives are bet for the chance of survival or prosperity.
Finally, the idea of "knocking on doors that are not open" speaks with the unwelcoming environments that migrants often come across upon arrival. Numerous location countries have enacted strict migration policies, providing little hope for acceptance or integration. This metaphorical 'knocking' represents the useless attempts of migrants to find approval, security, and opportunity in places that may not be receptive to their requirements.
In conclusion, Tahar Ben Jelloun's quote is a poignant review of the current state of emigration. It challenges the romanticism of migration as a confident venture and instead casts it as a dire measure taken in reaction to failure and desperation, urging a reevaluation of worldwide and national policies and attitudes towards migrants.
More details
About the Author