Tahar Ben Jelloun: 'Emigration is no longer a solution it's a defeat. People are risking death, drowning every day, but they're knocking on doors that are not open.'

Emigration is no longer a solution it's a defeat. People are risking death, drowning every day, but they're knocking on doors that are not open.

The quote by Tahar Ben Jelloun, "Emigration is no longer a solution; it's a defeat. People are risking death, drowning every day, but they're knocking on doors that are not open," encapsulates the desperate and often perilous situation faced by those seeking a better life in foreign lands. This thought-provoking quote emphasizes the harsh realities and challenges faced by migrants, highlighting the risks they are willing to take despite the uncertain outcome. It is an acknowledgement of the limited opportunities available to those who leave their homelands in search of a brighter future.Emigration has long been seen as a solution for individuals who face limited prospects in their home countries. Historically, many people have left their homes in search of economic opportunities, political freedom, or personal safety. However, as Jelloun suggests, the current state of emigration is different. It has transformed from a choice into a last resort, an acknowledgment of defeat in the face of the closed doors and barriers that prevent individuals from accessing better lives elsewhere.The importance of this quote lies in its ability to shed light on the harsh realities faced by migrants today. It challenges us to consider the reasons behind the decisions of these individuals to risk their lives and face countless hardships in their pursuit of a better life. It prompts us to question the systems that have led to the closing of doors and the lack of opportunities for those who do not have the privilege of birth in a prosperous country.To bring an unexpected philosophical concept into the article, let us delve into the concept of Sisyphus' boulder. In Greek mythology, Sisyphus was condemned by the gods to roll a boulder up a hill, only to have it roll back down for eternity. This eternal struggle parallels the experience of many migrants, as they repeatedly face closed doors and obstacles in their quest for a better life. They are constantly pushing against the weight of societal and systemic barriers, only to find themselves back at the starting point, their efforts seemingly in vain.However, there is an intriguing contrast between these two concepts. While Sisyphus' struggle is eternal and devoid of purpose, migrants continue to strive for a better life due to their unwavering hope and belief in the possibility of change. Unlike Sisyphus, their struggle is not determined by divine punishment but rather by the circumstances of their birth. They are driven by a desire to escape poverty, oppression, or conflict and create a brighter future for themselves and their families.In this unexpected philosophical exploration, we can draw parallels and distinctions between the quote about emigration and the mythological tale of Sisyphus. Both illustrate the repetitive nature of struggle, but while Sisyphus is doomed to futility, migrants possess agency and determination, refusing to accept defeat as they continue knocking on doors, searching for more open paths.In conclusion, Tahar Ben Jelloun's quote emphasizes the transformative nature of emigration from a solution into a defeat. It highlights the inherent risks and challenges faced by those who choose or are forced to leave their homelands. By introducing the concept of Sisyphus' boulder, we can explore the parallel struggle faced by migrants, while also recognizing the distinctions between an eternal and purposeless struggle and the hope-driven pursuit of a better life. This thought-provoking quote invites us to reflect on the limited opportunities available to migrants and challenges us to reevaluate the closed doors that prevent them from accessing the brighter futures they seek.