Malta’s ‘Live and Let Live’ Philosophy Under Threat

Malta’s ‘Live and Let Live’ Philosophy Under Threat

Stroll down Republic Street in Valletta, and you’ll see it. The ‘live and let live’ philosophy is etched into the very fabric of Malta’s culture. It’s in the way people greet each other with a casual ‘Hi’ instead of the formal ‘Good day’, in the shared laughter over a game of boccette at the Msida Bastion, and in the communal clapping for frontline workers during the pandemic.

From Coexistence to Confrontation

However, this spirit of coexistence seems to be under threat. Incidents of intolerance and hate speech have been on the rise. From verbal altercations over parking spaces in Sliema to online trolling of politicians and activists, the ‘live and let live’ philosophy appears to be eroding. A recent survey by the Malta Council for Voluntary Sector found that 65% of respondents felt there was less tolerance in Malta today compared to five years ago.

Causes and Concerns

So, what’s behind this shift? Some point to the polarizing effects of social media, where echo chambers and filter bubbles can harden views and encourage vitriol. Others blame political polarization, with parties and their supporters increasingly digging in their heels. There’s also concern about the influx of foreign workers and residents, with some Maltese feeling a sense of cultural dilution.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Initiatives like the ‘I Am Not a Robot’ campaign, which encourages critical thinking and media literacy, and the ‘United Against Hate’ coalition, which brings together civil society organizations, are fighting back against hate speech and intolerance.

Malta’s unique history of coexistence – from its medieval cities where different religious communities lived side by side to its modern-day status as a multicultural hub – offers a wealth of stories and lessons that can inspire a return to the ‘live and let live’ spirit.

So, let’s not let this philosophy slip away. Let’s remember that diversity is our strength, not our weakness. Let’s call out hate speech when we see it, both online and offline. And let’s celebrate our shared humanity, whether it’s over a game of boccette or a shared clap for our frontline heroes.