learn not to assume that these behaviors automatically mean an expression of further sexual interest .
This type of coaching program has been controversial because of what message it might send as labeling migrants , to what degree it might play into antiimmigration politics as such , and if it is in fact racist or discriminatory by offering the courses specifically for non-European migrants . In light of these concerns , some courses have studiously avoided stereotyping migrants as criminals ; the Hero Norge teaching material , for example , instead uses fictional scenarios with fictional characters ; the native Norwegian in this curriculum is portrayed as a sexual predator with the immigrant as an honest man , in order to underline that sexual violence is a problem in all cultures , and that the behavior is the problem , no matter the identity of the perpetrator .
So far , attendees of these courses have affirmed their usefulness . One Muslim asylum-seeker from Eritrea who was interviewed in the New York Times about his voluntary participation expressed how he was initially shocked and confused by European society . He was not accustomed to the open consumption of alcohol , public displays of affection , or less conservative apparel worn by women , who , in his home context , would be considered prostitutes . As such , this asylumseeker decided to attend a weekly discussion class in Stavanger . Now , he is less confused about the social signals in his new environment and is less likely to misread them . Other men interviewed by the BBC for a June 2016 article did not feel patronized or stigmatized by the classes but instead found them helpful for forming relationships in their new culture .
The purpose of these courses has not been to make false generalizations about refugees , label refugees as ‘ rapists ,’ or fuel anti-immigrant sentiment . The purpose instead has been to address the very real cultural differences in social norms between many refugees and the European societies where they have sought asylum / refuge . By promoting discussions about the laws and social codes of the host country , these courses attempt to protect both host nation constituents and refugees / asylum-seekers from misunderstandings which could lead to potentially dangerous situations .
“[ I ] ntegration policies that require people to shed fundamental aspects of their identity are unlikely to succeed . Sustainable integration should aim at giving migrants a real stake in their new home , encouraging participation rather than exclusion , while requiring full adherence to laws and respect for the rights of others .” ( Human Rights Watch , p . 3 ).
Recommendation .
1 . Host nations ( in Europe , but applicable elsewhere ) should continue to provide educational coaching opportunities and discussion classes for refugees coming from differing cultural backgrounds in order to assist them in navigating their new host nation culture , especially in terms of gender relations and host nation laws . Provide these opportunities not only for migrant / refugee men but also for migrant / refugee women .
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