1. Comparison of the article by Hancock and WB report.
Both articles concentrate on the same problem – racism in Eastern Europe directed at
the Romani population. However, they highlight different aspects. The World Bank
report presents facts and figures whereas Hancock draws attention to the nature and
consequences of the problem.
The WB report show the relevance of the issue: Roma are Europe’s largest minority
and they live in nearly all the countries in this region. Roma face numerous poverty
problems (a lack of access to resources, education, labor markets, social and health
services, channels for representation, etc). All the statements are proved with the facts.
Hancock article, contrary to a straightforward monitoring from World Bank, is wider in
scope and profundity. Although he is analyzing the Roma problem in Easter Europe, he
also refers to the western countries and draws a parallel between the Roma in Eastern
Europe and African-Americans in the U.S. According to Hancock, the origins of the
Racism lie in historical dehumanizing process, which creates discriminatory attitudes in
the society. These social attitudes ingrained into the society have damaging effects both
for the society and a victimized group. It causes both poverty and psychological
problems. Hancock suggests some means how to equalize the opportunities and change
racist attitudes in the society (amendments in law, education, changing attitudes of the
employers’ and journalists’)
As we can see, the articles supplement each other in various ways. While a WB report
point to the problem, Hancock explains why it comes to existence, what are the
consequences and what measures should be taken.
2. The article on EO in France
The article is like a harbinger of the riots in France that, symbolically, took place
almost exactly one year after the article was published. It seems that the author has
foreseen the upcoming violet clashes in so called “sensitive areas” (poor suburbs)
between thousands of youth, predominantly non-French immigrants, and the French
Police. This event supports the problem raised in the article and is an obvious proof of the
failure to integrate minorities.
The author of the article mentions some measures that might help to improve the
situation and decrease social and racial tensions:
 Statistical analysis should be allowed to find out about current situation and the level
of discrimination;
 Positive discrimination can help to create society with equal opportunities;
 Education reform should be implemented to sponsor higher education and diversify
recruitment in elite education institutions;
 Introduction of anonymous CVs to ensure competition.
I believe that statistical research is necessary, but only to except and prove the fact that
such a problem as racism and discrimination exist. However, some positive actions
should follow that. It is difficult to evaluate the success of the positive discrimination, as
it requires in-depth examination of the situation. I agree with the author that educational
reform can help to narrow the gap between good and bad schools and assure access to
prestigious schools for minorities. However, I have some doubts about the anonymous
CVs as a mean to prevent from discrimination. It can help the person from “visible
minority” group to grant the interview for a job, but the employer will find an excuse
why the candidate is not suitable for the certain position anyway. Even if a person would
get a job, racist attitudes towards him/her can be hidden under other explanations and
one will be fired sooner or later. Thus, the problem lay not in a legal framework, but in
the norms, generations and prejudices of the society. One can incorporate amendments to
the law over one night, whereas to eradicate racist attitudes in the society require more
continuous efforts. Maybe only another generation will face some changes.
In a process of changing attitudes the media plays important role. Thus, the journalists
should be careful while presenting the image of the minorities in mass media.
Also as the visible minorities are concentrated geographically in poor districts, the
housing facilities should be diversified as well and it can help to integrate minorities into
society better.
As we can see from France example, the principle of equal opportunities should be
equalized in practice and amendments should be made in various areas. The minorities
should be given the chance to show what they can do in an equal opportunity
environment.