Every day, I read in the news, that a government from another Western European country is “concerned about the high number of immigrants” and “is looking to implement solutions to the problem”. As someone who is living in Europe, I can attest that uncontrolled immigration is indeed a problem, but it is not as straightforward as it seems.
The scramble for Africa (and elsewhere)
Our European friends sailed almost everywhere in the world and discovered new places along the way. Some of them were initially peaceful when they landed, and looked to trade with the locals. It was only later when the great empires emerged, that they needed more resources to expand or keep the empires afloat. What followed was exploitation and pillaging to an unimaginable scale. The funny thing is that the exploitation and pillaging is still continuing to this day. Most of the European empires decided that they needed to share Africa to avoid more conflict among them. African countries weren’t the only victims, as Asian countries such as India were also colonised.
The colonies were vital cogs in the empire’s machines and propped up their coffers. The colonies also ensured that the empires had lots of cheap (or free) labour. Britain and France got the bulk of Africa with Belgium, Germany, Italy and the other boys all getting a piece of the pie. Let’s have a look at some of the countries and why they are so upset about migration.
Britain
I think most South Africans (and the Zimbabweans and Nigerians) can attest to one thing; the Brits were kak. Next level. If the Afrikaners, Zulus and Indians had to agree on something, they would probably all say that the Brits were complete wankers.
They were brutal and efficient when it came to conquering a territory. When gold and diamonds were discovered, they got really excited and stepped up their game. Whoever stood in their way got trampled for the sake of the empire. The Brits were also quite clever with the countries which they colonised. They were strategically located and resource rich countries, which are still the countries with highest GDP in Africa (South Africa, Nigeria and Egypt among others). They also quite shamelessly bled their other colonies (like India) dry.
Fast forward to 2024, and things aren’t all that lekker in Great Britain. The cost of living in the UK is truly a crisis. The economy is struggling and there is a civil unrest brewing. Their problems aren’t unique though, as most of Europe (and the world for that matter) is also struggling.
For those who have been to the UK (especially England) recently, you can probably attest that you were unsure if you were in London or Mumbai. The sheer number of Indians and Pakistanis in the UK is truly staggering. There are also (hundreds-of) thousands of Saffas, Zimbabweans and Nigerians, among others. Whenever I visit the UK, I feel quite at home, because you have a 90% chance of meeting another Saffa in the tube or on the street.
The Brits are obviously looking for answers to their struggling economy and the “cost of living” crisis. They blame the high number of immigrants for the lack of jobs and lack of affordable accommodation etc. Well, the Indians, Pakistanis and Africans aren’t the problem. They are (mostly) legally in the UK and contribute to their economy. The problem is the undocumented migrants crossing the channel. Do I have sympathy for Britain and am I concerned about them? No. I honestly don’t give a shit about them. They can continue taking us in. Even if they won’t always admit it, they need us.
France
The French are always seen as pioneers of equality and forward thinking. Lots of the worlds modern views are based on theories and literary works by French academics and authors. They were one the first countries to have a large educated and working female population. True pioneers the French.
They were equally brutal and efficient when it came to colonising Africa and the world. They not only exploited, but also wanted to spread their enlightenment to the world. They certainly left their mark on Africa, including their language, and a currency which is still integrated with that of France. I can understand why the Haitians murdered their colonial overlords. African only recently started waking up to their ongoing exploitation. Unfortunately for Haiti and most of the Francophone countries, they are absolute shitholes. The French didn’t leave success behind after they gave the countries “independence”. I guess one could argue that the Brits did a better job at leaving behind a success.
Modern day France is exactly what the academics and philosophers wrote about. They are arguably the wokest of all the Western European nations. The Germans will give them a run for their money though. As fate would have it, France has been flooded with migrants from their former colonies. I find it absolutely hilarious when I see a French sports team; mostly black and Arab. Then you look at French politicians or business people; all white. As long as the world sees how multicultural the French are, they have successfully completed their mission. The French are now up in arms because there “are too many migrants”. Well, the French are already running a massive welfare state, and cannot afford to take on more migrants. Ultimately, when things don’t go as planned, they will just toi-toi and riot as always. Fun fact: the French are absolutely brilliant at toi-toi-ing and rioting.
Do I feel bad for the French? No, not in the slightest. I find the French a laughable and hypocritical nation. As long as they keep on exploiting Africa, they must keep on accepting migrants.
Belgium
Not too many people talk about Belgium. They tend to get overshadowed by their neighbours France and the Netherlands. Belgium is a weird country, that arguably shouldn’t exist given its history. Belgium was pretty much nowhere in the 1800’s. King Leopold II also wanted to get a piece of Africa, and ended up getting the modern-day Democratic Republic of the Congo. He sneakily managed to claim the DRC as his personal property. From all accounts, the Belgians committed various atrocities over many years, and brutally exploited everyone in the country. They were absolutely horrific.
It puts it into perspective when you visit Brussels, and then see how many monuments and other parts of the city was built with money from the rubber and ivory they pillaged. Astonishing.
Belgium has more migrants per capita than lots of the other western European countries. They are a particularly attractive destination, as they offer great benefits to migrants. Belgians are fed up with the large number of migrants, as their smaller population and smaller country exacerbates the problem.
I feel that their current plight is payback for King Leopold II chopping off so many hands.
My two cents
Personally, I don’t like the current European migration flood. Uncontrolled migration is a recipe for disaster, and there has been no real success integrating the migrants into the countries. Some of the countries such as Sweden, have become a hot-spot for crime and gangs.
I am definitely in favour of controlled migration, and Europe definitely needs lots skilled labour to fill the gaps. On the other hand, the western Europeans countries should stop whining about their migration problems, and attempt to fix the mess they are in. They say all the populist stuff, but usially do the opposite
I have absolutely no sympathy for the Brits or French saying “Those damn Indians and Africans are stealing our jobs” and “Look at what has become of our country!”. The payback you are getting now, doesn’t even nearly make up for what you did in the past.
Until next time, dear comrades.
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