What went wrong when a normal day for a teenager ended up leaving him tragically in the hands of death? The brutal slaying of Toyosi Shitta-bey has awakened a country and its people from the slumber of the economic downturn, as the issues of racism, anti-social behaviour and lack of equality raise their ugly heads.
The recent march through Dublin in the boy’s honour was a bold statement from the new progressive Ireland to the Government, bringing attention to the barrage of abuse against immigrants. It was a celebration, though in agony, of the promising life of a star who’d distinguished himself in sports and social activities. But whatever sorrow people feel about this untimely death, the true pain lies in his mother’s heart.
As we call for justice, there is a growing concern for Ireland’s immigrants, some of whom suffer vicious attacks and abuse from a minority of biased Irish people, while feeling that their situation has been overlooked by the Government and the gardaí alike.
At the same time, what about the responsibility of parents to set their children on the right path when it comes to diversity? Sometimes I wonder how it’s possible that kids and teenagers can abuse people on the street with their parents’ full awareness. Is this just ignorance, or is it a new education to intimidate those who have found this place a new home?
History shows just how much and how far the Irish have travelled. It’s important this society teaches its offspring about its history, so that everyone – natives and newcomers – will share in this knowledge and understand each other all the better.
And to the authorities, I remind them about their policies on humanitarianism – and that they should apply at home just as much as they do abroad. There should be strict protection of all minorities in our society, especially immigrants who are easily made scapegoats of the socio-economic downturn.
It is important that we all remember the words of Desmond Tutu: “We must not allow ourselves to become like the system we oppose.” Let the spirit of values and respect flow for the dignity of man.
Ukachukwu Okorie is originally from Nigeria and writes weekly for Metro Éireann. Visit his website at www.olumouka.com
