Immigration Article of the Day: Roza E. Patterson, Black Bodies Drowning in the Mediterranean Sea: Why Does the World Not Care?

Roza E. Patterson, Black Bodies Drowning in the Mediterranean Sea: Why Does the World Not Care?, 23 UCLA Journal of International Law and Foreign Affairs 183 (Spring, 2019)

Abstract

In November 2014, Pope Francis urged European leaders to stop the Mediterranean Sea from becoming a “vast cemetery ” for migrants. Known for its crystal-clear blue water, beautiful sunsets, and top vacation destinations, calling the Mediterranean Sea a “cemetery ” seemed rather paradoxical. However, this sea has, in fact, become the graveyard for thousands of migrants who have drowned along the Central Mediterranean route, the world’s deadliest migration route. These migrants originate from various regions, with the majority traveling from Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the magnitude of the problem, this issue has received limited media coverage and adequate life-saving solutions. By drawing from various academic disciplines and theories-such as international law, philosophy, psychology, the media’s depiction of Africa, and Critical Race Theory-this Comment advances two key arguments. First, I argue that the lack of proposed solutions concerning the drowning of African migrants can be understood through the metaphor of the “Dark Continent, ” which has been used for centuries to “other” Africans in western philosophy and consciousness. Second, I contend that, at least in the United States, racist attitudes toward Blacks more generally also play a significant role in our lack of public concern for this issue.

KJ