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Washington D.C.- The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies. It is the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual.
Culture is the shared knowledge and schemes created by a set of people for perceiving, interpreting, expressing, and responding to the social realities around them. It has been defined in a number of ways, but most simply, as the learned and shared behavior of a community of interacting human beings.
Throughout history, Morocco has always been a land wherein various cultures and ethnic groups lived, coexisted, and melted together. There is no single era that has witnessed a single group living in the country. From pre-history to the 21st century, Morocco has always been and will always be the melting pot of all ethnic and religious groups. It makes for a unique place of tolerance, to a certain extent, in the modern era.
This social quality has always been viewed as the strength of Moroccan society—something France could not overlook during its protectorate over Morocco, and decided to enact what was known back then “The Berber Decree” in 1930. This "decree" aimed to divide the social components of Morocco in order to ease French control over the country. Ultimately, the French realized that the solid Moroccan society was a real headache and a major burden to seize total control over the country.
This leads us to a very crucial question: What is the real Moroccan identity? Some say that Imazighen, or native Moroccans, represent the true and real Moroccan identity; while others believe that the multi-ethnic structure of Morocco is the source of the nation’s sustainability throughout history. From the Romans to Arabs, every dynasty ruled Morocco, adding something new and effective to the social structure and contributing to the creation of a strong and solid multilayered society. One to envy!
In the recent years, Morocco has experienced a wave of “activists” whose aim is to distinguish between Moroccans. We began to hear Moroccan Amazigh, Moroccan Arab, Moroccan Muslim, Moroccan Jew… etc. It is indeed an unprecedented brand of activism: one that aims to divide the nation into different categories based on their ethnic and religious backgrounds. We have begun noticing Moroccans being labelled based on which region of Morocco they are from, which faith they foster, how old their family name… These so-called activists seem to forget that no matter how complex a mosaic art might look, each piece completes the entire tableau and creates an exquisite artwork.
So why has this diverse social component become a serious problem for some in Morocco? Why do these activists want to gather into “us” and “them”? The fear of the “other” has never been an issue Morocco throughout its history, so why now? Do not they realize that power is in unity?! Do not they realize that while the whole world is unifying to form a strong alliance, they are aiming to divide the country into small ethnic groups? They have not learned from the experience of the European Union (EU) wherein many faiths, ethnic groups, and colors are all united to become a global power!
The Amazigh Cultural Movement (MCA), a transnational cultural identity campaign, is pursuing political, social, and cultural agendas on behalf of the Amazigh community. This lobbying force is a vocal advocate demanding official recognition and institutional access of the Tamazight language within Moroccan society. Despite past political repression and obstacles, the MCA’s foundation, presence, and objectives are well-established and guided by constitution-like documents such as La Charte d’Agadir and the Berber Manifesto.
This ethno-linguistic and political movement is an interconnected composition of militant activists, intellectuals, local cultural associations, international federations, and institutions of higher education committed to Amazigh linguistic and cultural study and research, creating a thick network of diasporic communities. Associated with the international indigenous and cultural rights movements, the MCA reclaimed its voice concurrently with the government’s ease of political and civil society participation restrictions. This diverse community manages contemporary Amazigh discourse and cultural representation. The MCA has developed a unified and thunderous voice in opposition to Amazigh oppression and calls for Amazigh identity recognition and linguistic rights in order to develop culturally, socially, and politically.
Increased domestic pressures and international influences have driven the powerful monarchy to make transformative political and social changes. Morocco has adopted a more democratic and viable global position. In 1994, the late King Hassan II verbally recognized the legitimacy of the Amazigh cultural and linguistic identity within Morocco. It was a monumental proclamation. He then promised reform.
However, further development languished for years, incensing the MCA. When King Mohammed VI inherited the throne, he addressed the MCA’s demands and created the state-sanctioned research institute, Institut Royal de la Culture Amazighe (IRCAM). The latter’s powerful role is undeniable: it represents legitimacy, recognition, and inclusion. Additionally, the government has made language policy reforms within the education system, allowing for Tamazight language instruction at the primary school level. IRCAM has had a fundamental role in the implementation of this adapted language policy and associated education reform. Despite these development measures, Tamazight still lacks formalized official national status.
Presently, the MCA remains vigilant in their quest to secure Amazigh cultural and linguistic rights. Amazigh language and culture are powerful and integral components of Moroccan national identity. The Moroccan government has endorsed progressive resolutions. However, MCA advocates for empty, symbolic gestures that continue to negate Imazighen presence and contributions. The adopted measures only underscore the severity of the injustices and the fragmentation of Moroccan society. Additional institutional and representational actions to protect this community and foster its survival are crucial. Morocco remains enveloped in the richness of its Arab and Amazigh cultural and linguistic identities. As entangled identities, they are performing a difficult dance.
If we add to the Amazigh movement in Morocco the Jewish community, which was reduced dramatically after 1948, one easily notices that Morocco has never had any problem with the multicultural aspects of its society. They all enrich its heritage and contribute to the nation’s prosperity. When Arabs came to Morocco and introduced the natives to the new religion, natives immediately fostered the new doctrine and adopted it as the official faith of the land.
The introduction of Arabic language to Morocco opened more horizons to the newly-founded dynasty and its successors. Yet, Arab settlers have never marginalized locals and made sure to involve them in running the sociopolitical affairs of the country. For example, the famous warrior Tarik Ibn Ziyad: a military leader who was a proud native of Morocco who led the Moroccan army to conquer the Iberian Peninsula. The Rock of Gibraltar, which was named after him, stands witness to his glorious leadership and greatness.
What concerns me these days is that some Imazighen activists hold a rather blurry agenda and are in constant efforts to seek foreign assistance for their cause. The whole nation agrees that the natives’ heritage should be well preserved and their language recognized, but for some to advocate and campaign for an “independent” country of their own—that what I cannot comprehend. They feel that they were “robbed” and extracted from their roots and identity. Wrong.
I remember growing up, I had friends from all social groups, from different backgrounds and faiths. We got along just fine, and so did our ancestors who fought alongside each other for freedom and independence. They showed respect to one another based on their transactions together and not on their ethnic affiliation. So what caused this sudden uprising of our fellow compatriots? Who is behind them and what their real agenda? Unfortunately, I do not have an answer…
Morocco has always been strong because of its cross-cultural diversity. Tolerance was, and still is, the trademark of the nation. Of course, there are some odd incidents here and there, but overall, all components of Moroccan society come together when most needed. Every Moroccan puts his nation above any social differences: this is how we were brought up and this is how we will die.
Morocco is bigger than any ethnic group, it is the melting pot of all races and faiths, and it is haven for those seeking tolerance and peace. I just wish that those who are deviating from the group to learn from other examples around the world: China, Europe, United States, Russia… and many other nations who put their differences aside and united together to make their countries strong and their economies stronger.
To all my Moroccan compatriots, I say: United we stand, divided we fall.
Edited by Katrina Bushko
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Morocco World News’ editorial policy
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