Allow deportees their dignity
Dear Editor,
In my studies as a social worker one of the main lessons taught by my lecturer, and which stayed with me, is that we should always allow people their dignity, especially those who have fallen on hard times.
It is quite disturbing to see reporters pushing their microphones into the faces of different deportees without any consideration as to what they are going through. It cannot be that because of a scoop or a story we have forgotten to be humans and to think about others. The effect on most or some deportees psychologically, especially those without relatives to turn to, cannot be overstated, as now they have to be thinking: What am I going to do? Where can I lay my head tonight? Are there any homeless shelters that I can go to until I get my life in order?
There is just so much going on internally for them, and having cameras to highlight their plight, I believe, is too much. The media and reporters need to be more caring and considerate towards the current state, pain and fears of these deportees. Many of them do not even know where the next meal is coming from.
We could argue that they should have made something of themselves or they should have sent something back home to “fall back on”, unfortunately that did not happen for them. We all make mistakes. It cannot be that their noses have to be rubbed in it and they are put on public display for their misfortune.
I believe that a story, series or documentary could be done from a more sensitive perspective with the media houses asking those deportees who are willing to come forward and share their stories. They could go even further to help by building a halfway house so their transitioning and integration will be less difficult as they seek to get on their feet.
I also believe that if the half-way house is not a feasible idea, then the media have the clout to come up with other plans by involving the different stakeholders. The Government could also take the money the British Government is offering to have some infrastructure in place for those who are being deported.
Diana Somerville
Molynes Road
dianasommerville@yahoo.com