Global citizenship or classification of the citizenship? minority groups and hate speech

Abstract

The dynamic transformations we have been experimenting in our society for the last decades are, without any doubts, the result of globalization processes. The homogeneity that characterized traditional society has been replaced by a democratic, multicultural society, which sometimes still continues with its traditional diversity and disregards the different. Consequence of migration processes, wars, political instability, economic crises, natural disasters, ethnic or political persecution, human trafficking, etc. have forced entire populations to move in urgent need in search of protection or a better future and to leave their origins, homes and families behind. The harsh and cruel reality that these people face to reach their destinations (in case they do reach them), goes unnoticed by the majority of the host population, and is often accompanied by a lack of acceptance, or even considered an affront to the community, the cultural traditions, the job market. Often, people see immigration linked to increased insecurity, which, in extreme situations, can lead to discriminatory attacks against any member of the immigrant group or against their few possessions. In turn, sometimes it is the government itself which discriminates these «citizens» directly by denying them services, or indirectly through its agents. With this article, we intend to define the concept of citizenship in Europe, the consideration of the «citizens» which contribute to the maintenance of the «welfare state», and the measures being taken by the European Union and other European countries when the political speech is focused against minorities.