Civil War in Libya

[Viking]

Not properly backed up? Racism in Libya is very well documented. It amazes me that the most ardent proponents of this conflict often know the least about the intricacies of Libyan society.

There's a lot of evidence of xenophobia and targeting of African migrant workers, about that there is no doubt. However, to say that these occurences are created by racist ideas in the general populace, that is to take one step further.

They were called 'slaves'? But who were these people? In the articles, they are referred to as migrant workers; not native inhabitants of Libya. Perhaps the term 'slave' could even applied non-derogatory - that they were poorly paid etc. Unlike the Egyptian workers, it looks like those from sub-Sahara had to a great extent entered the country illegaly, another thing that could cause hostility towards them. They probably also are generally poor and have little education. To pin their treatment exclusively on racial ideas strikes me as premature (but of course, newspapers would love to use the word 'racism' in their headlines).

Another side of it, is the extent of this behaviour. How many supported the treatment of these people? It is usually the most extreme people that take to streets and commit their deeds. Essentially, it's a bit absurd to assume that a massive group of people would have to have a precise agreement on this and that idea.