The City of Puerto de la Cruz and the University of La Laguna (ULL) have launched a project aimed at tackling xenophobia, bullfighting, and associated falsehoods. To develop the “anti-rumour strategy”, initial research will be conducted to assess the prevalence of negative stereotypes, allowing for the specification of the requisite actions to be implemented.
The project team will engage with the local community, social organisations, the associative network, and the business community, focusing on their connections with education, healthcare, welfare, and public security sectors. Fieldwork will encompass auditions and detailed interviews, the creation of focus groups, the preparation of online questionnaires, documentary reviews, information management, and statistical data analysis. Furthermore, an extensive examination of the socio-territorial landscape of the municipality will be undertaken, supplemented by preliminary work through online systems.
Racism and Xenophobia
The Councillor for Equality, David Hernández; the lead professor at ULL and academic coordinator of the Antirrumores project, Vicente Zapata; the technician from the General Foundation of the University of La Laguna and project manager, Alexis Mesa; alongside the president of the Camaleón association, Jean Mack, have introduced this initiative, which aims to combat negative stereotypes and false narratives surrounding immigration and cultural diversity, thereby addressing racism and xenophobia in society.
David Hernández stated that “in today’s society the lies associated with immigration are predominant and in response to this trend, we must actively counter these extremist positions. We need to confront it with factual information and dismantle the untruths through data, as targeting the most vulnerable only serves to empower extremists in their strategy of pitting the impoverished against each other.” He continued, “This project will help dismantle myths and falsehoods and, as much as possible, restore equilibrium and a positive perception of both diversity and social cohesion.”
Support
Vicente Zapata commented that “the ULL is collaborating on a process that aims to strengthen the intercultural coexistence model. Additionally, the ULL has been implementing anti-rumour strategies, taking inspiration from Barcelona.” He emphasised that “it is essential to create alternate narratives that promote a more inclusive society and foster environments for mutual living. This is a participatory strategy designed to confront xenophobia and racism while identifying false narratives. Puerto de la Cruz is one of the regions in the Canary Islands where there is a rapidly developing diverse society; we will encourage citizen engagement at all levels, embracing the notion that the municipality is the best framework for this work.”
Methodology
Alexis Mesa outlined the phases of the project which will be executed by the Social Innovation Area of the General Foundation of the University of La Laguna throughout this year. He noted that the first phase involves “the identification and analysis of the dominant rumours in the municipality regarding immigrants and cultural diversity. This will necessitate a study of prevalent stereotypes and the false rumours circulating within the community, aiming to comprehend their origins, impact, and how they shape perceptions of immigrants. Objective information will then be collated, yielding solid and verified data that debunk existing prejudices, thereby providing informational tools to help raise awareness among the population regarding the significance of a more realistic and inclusive perspective. This information will be vital in altering the narrative surrounding immigrants and cultural diversity, offering evidence that advocates for peaceful and respectful coexistence.”
In conclusion, Jean Mack expressed gratitude for this initiative, highlighting “the crucial role each community plays in counteracting myths and lies, because we quickly forget the underlying reasons why migrants leave their homeland, which are simply to seek a better life.”
