Unfortunately, we’ve all heard about the horrific Rashid boat incident that occurred less than a week ago. More than 600 people were involved in it, and according to The Guardian, the death toll rose to 300. Many spokespeople are talking about it, discussing why it has occurred and are more or less confused as to whom to blame for such a tragedy. Usually, there is no good versus bad in such accidents. But, I find myself confused as well by it all.

1- Is It Their Fault?

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Many seem to think that it is the victims’ fault. They’re being blamed for their miserable fate. Government officials have denounced them for not trying to find jobs in Egypt. As Aswat Masriya claim, Hussam Al-Qaweesh, Cabinet spokesperson, is even refuting the idea that these migrants are fleeing for economic and financial reasons. He claims that illegal immigration in itself requires large sums of money, and therefore, these migrants could have simply used the money to start a new project in their village instead of using it to flee the country. These victims are thus blamed for using their money to flee instead of investing in their own country.

One thing that needs to be taken into consideration is that most of the people on this boat were actually young! Some of them are under 18. Some families must have probably forced their kids to travel, thinking Europe would have to take them in and educate them since they’re still minors. Sometimes, it’s not in everyone’s hands.

2- Is It the Government’s Fault?


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Should we, however, blame the country and its government for this? I mean, it’s true that these migrants did have money, probably enough to start a new project here. But, is it still their fault that they’d want to leave? I’m sure if people are ready to risk their lives in search for a better opportunity in Europe instead of just staying here, then no matter how much money they do have, there definitely must be something wrong. Whether that is with the country or with the citizens’ mentality and attitude, which would still stem from the country’s education system and the way it treats its citizens.

Some officials also claim that there actually are projects to help those families in need, and that it’s the people’s fault that they are lazy and don’t bother looking for them. I can’t help but find that really silly. I mean, if anything, it should be up to the government to actually advertise these job offerings (if they actually do exist). But, I’m sure they’re not “lazy”, if they’re ready to cross the Mediterranean for a new life.

3- The Deification of Europe

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Is Europe that great anyway? I think our media is constantly sending the wrong message and embedding in our heads the falsified idea that Europe happens to be paradise, when it definitely isn’t. So, even if we do blame the people for wanting to leave when they could’ve been secure in their home country, I don’t think the blame should only be put on them. They definitely shouldn’t be considered as ‘criminals’. If anything, it’s our media and the society’s attitude in general towards the West and its deification of it, that has led to this. And it should be up to our government again to try to change that.

The people’s outlook onto their country and their mindset is never going to change, so long as the government only blames its people for tragedies like these.