IES Lecture Series: "European citizens: commonality and diversity"

Spring Series Lecture by Prof. Tariq Ramadan

IES Lecture Series on European Identity: "European citizens: commonality and diversity". Lecture by Professor Tariq Ramadan, St Anthony's College, Oxford. Aula E.0.04.

Prof. Tariq Ramadan

On February 22nd IES welcomed Professor Tariq Ramadan as the second speaker in the Spring Lecture Series on European Identity. Professor Ramadan holds a number of distinguished academic appointments in Paris, Geneva and at St. Anthony’s College Oxford where he is known for his outspoken views on what it means to belong in European society. Aside from his outstanding academic career, Tariq Ramadan is well qualified to speak about this topic. He has an Egyptian background, went to school and university in Geneva and is a Swiss national and,aside from his native Arabic, is completely fluent in French and English ( and probably undisclosed other languages!)

He began by annunciating a number of important principles. The first is that Europeans have to acknowledge and accept that their societies have changed as a result of immigration. In the past minorities only existed in the background but have gained a new visibility. Secondly, Europeans have to accept that Islam is indeed a European religion and not alien to their culture. Thirdly, that it is regrettable that an atmosphere of fear has developed about the topic of Islam in Europe, spurred on by the media. The great fear is that Europe is being colonised by Islam by stealth. Europeans are suffering from an identity crisis about who they are and there is an ambiance of “us” and “them” in the public discourse. The question is being asked: “Are you French (or any other nationality) or Muslim first”? Muslims are asking themselves the same questions. Ramadan said that it is one thing to keep asking these questions regarding the first generation of immigrants but another when the same issues arise in the third and fourth generations. Since everyone has to live together, these fears, which he characterised as legitimate and not necessarily inspired by racism, need to be addressed.

Aula E.0.04

Professor Ramadan considered a number of avenues to lay these ghosts. First, he said, we have to “respect” each other. It is not enough simply to “tolerate” difference. Through respect, we may even achieve love for each other. With respect will also come mutual understanding and above all a sense of belonging. Secondly, we are engaged in a collective project in building society and this requires a common legal framework. Everyone has to agree and respect the law. He cited the example of Rousseau’s social contract with society and gave secularism as an example of law which should be obeyed. The social contract, he said, is entirely in accordance with Islamic principles.

Ramadan said that we need a common framework for communication (language which must be learnt if necessary) and a common culture which must be respected. A common culture includes memory, heritage and history, including the history of immigrant peoples which should now become part of a common patrimony.  Referring to slavery and colonialism, he said that we have to accept “the light and the dark in our past history”; He emphasised that we all have multiple identities but that a common status and equality before the law were both essential. He considers that it is not the law as such that is the problem but its implementation and interpretation. It is, however, not enough to rely on the law. The aim is to talk about “us” rather than “us and them”

Professor Ramadan then addressed the practical issues in achieving these principles. He advocates civic education both for immigrants and the native population. It is important to stop talking about “minorities” and speak of “citizenship” and “common values and ethics”. He feels that there is a need to create a positive discourse around the whole topic. It is not by government imposed decree that our common hopes will be realised, but by gradual and local initiatives. The problem is that there is a tendency to address only like-minded and liberal elements in society – we need to draw in all levels and opinions into the debate.