Are ‘Black Sheep’ Deportation Posters a Sign of Swiss Racism?
- Posted on November 25, 2010 at 12:47pm by
Scott Baker
- Print »
- Email »
GENEVA (AP) — The posters show white sheep kicking black sheep off the Swiss flag.
AP
They were widely condemned as racist when the Swiss People’s Party launched them three years ago. Now, as the nationalist party’s demand to automatically deport foreigners convicted of serious crimes goes before a Sunday referendum, the posters have been cropping up again in stations and squares.
Polls show the message is getting through.
A survey published last week by polling group gfs.bern showed 54 percent of voters approved the measure, which also proposes to kick out foreigners found guilty of benefit fraud. In the poll of 771 voters conducted Nov. 8-13, 43 percent opposed the plan and 3 percent were undecided.
Under Switzerland’s unique political system, any group wanting to change the law can collect 100,000 signatures to force a referendum. Last year the country drew international condemnation after voters defied a government recommendation and approved a law to ban the construction of minarets.
Critics of the deportation proposal include legal experts, who say the law could clash with international treaties that Switzerland has signed up to.
“For the same crime some people will suffer one punishment, other people suffer two punishments,” said Marcelo Kohen, a professor of international law at the Graduate Institute in Geneva.
Kohen said foreigners who have lived all their life in Switzerland, married Swiss citizens and had children, would be unusually hard hit by expulsion. Likewise, under international law refugees cannot be sent back to their country of origin if they face persecution there.
“You have to analyze the concrete situation, and this is the main problem with the initiative,” Kohen told The Associated Press in a telephone interview Wednesday. Other countries that have deportation laws allow judges to exercise discretion in deportation cases.
The federal government has put forward an alternative proposal that would require each deportation case to be individually examined by a judge. Voters will be able to choose between the two or reject both.
Georg Kreis, the president of the Federal Commission against Racism, said automatic expulsion, if approved, would lead to discrimination, but denied that the campaign indicated there was greater xenophobia in Switzerland than in neighboring countries.
“Direct democracy makes prejudice against minorities more visible,” he told the AP by e-mail.
The black sheep posters were heavily criticized by anti-racism campaigners when they first appeared in 2007, for their not-so-subtle depiction of blacks as criminals. The U.N.’s racism expert at the time, Doudou Diene, noted that previous poster campaigns by the party had drawn on similarly stereotypical images to paint foreigners as felons and benefit cheats.
A senior People’s Party official denied the black sheep posters were racist.
“In all four languages spoken in Switzerland, everybody understands when you‘re talking about black sheep you’re talking about people who don’t stick to the rules,” Silvia Baer, who is deputy general secretary of the party, told the AP. “It’s a figure of speech, so there is no problem with the posters.”
Alexander Segert, head of the Swiss advertising agency that devised the campaign, said it was one of his company’s most successful ever.
“It works incredibly well because everybody who sees it immediately understands it,” said Segert. “It’s not about skin color.”
The company also produced a poster showing a swarthy-looking suspect from the Balkans with the words: “Ivan S., rapist.”
Popular Stories
MSNBC Host Snaps in Heated Segment: ‘What in the World Is Riskier Than Being a Poor Person in America?’ 684 Comments
Does Misstated Marathon Claim Prove Paul Ryan Is Dishonest? (POLL) 648 Comments
‘Jumah at the DNC’ Speaker: ‘Muslims Visited America Prior to Columbus’ & ‘It Was a Muslim’ Who Guided Him to the ‘New World’ 523 Comments
Obama: RNC Like Watching ‘Black-and-White TV’ Because Romney ‘Did Not Offer a Single New Idea’ 361 Comments
Roseanne Barr: Most Billionaires ‘Violent Pedophiles’ & ‘Heartless’ Cocaine Addicts 316 Comments
Faith
This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 181 Comments- Pakistani Muslim Cleric Accused of Framing Disabled Christian Girl in Koran-Burning Case Read More
- ‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 212 Comments
Meet the Controversial German Imam Accused of Brutally Beating His Wife & Pushing Sharia Law Read More
‘Self-Proclaimed Messiah’ & Unification Church Leader the Rev. Sun Myung Moon Has Died — Here’s His Life Story Read More
Business
- Germany’s Upcoming Court Ruling Will be Huge for the EU Read More
Ford Looks to Beat Toyota for Best-Selling Car in 2012 With This Model 147 Comments
Bernanke & QE3: Here’s What You Need to Know Read More- ‘Extortion’: Why Did the Labor Department ‘Drop the Hammer’ on Oregon Farmers? 300 Comments
Scathing New Ad Capitalizes on Rep. Ryan‘s ’Fading Obama Posters’ Remark 124 Comments
Technology
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 181 Comments
‘TaserDrone’: Hackers Weaponize Quadcopter With Actual ‘Shocking’ Technology Read More
Ever Heard of the Wild ‘Burning Man’ Festival in the Middle of the Nev. Desert? Here’s Your Primer Read More
Stanford Develops Technology ‘Better Than Steroids’ for Athlete Recovery Read More
Have You Pretended to Know What ‘the Cloud’ Is? You’re Not Alone Read More
Submitting your tip... please wait!
Comments (51)
I am for real
Posted on November 25, 2010 at 10:18pmBlack sheep, Black sheep have you any wool, Yes sir, Yes sir three bags full. One for my master, one for my dame, and one for the little boy who lives down the lane.
Report Post »welovetheUSA
Posted on November 25, 2010 at 9:46pmHa…….there are black sheep you idoit…….
Report Post »BurntHills
Posted on November 25, 2010 at 9:00pmYup, everyone here gets Swiss Army knives in their stockings this year.
Report Post »Bluestraveler
Posted on November 25, 2010 at 8:35pmSwissmiss, I too, am a swiss born, now AMERICAN citizen. I am proud of Switzerland. They do *get it*. Hopp Schwyz!!!
Report Post »SwissMiss
Posted on November 25, 2010 at 7:57pmI’m Swiss (now American) and am proud of my native country. I was there in the early 90′s when Switzerland celebrated 700 years as a republic. That didn’t happen by diversity and letting other countries take over a culture, but by national pride. By the way Switzerland is one of the few European countries that is NOT socialistic.
Report Post »Nvrforget
Posted on November 26, 2010 at 3:12amYou mean Switzerland is like all the other European countries by not being socialistic? If you’re actually from there you should know that.
Besides, Switzerland’s social security system is EXTREMELY close to the German one, with free health insurance, social security, unemployment benefits etc.
paleoconservatarian
Posted on November 25, 2010 at 7:35pm“The black sheep posters were heavily criticized by anti-racism campaigners when they first appeared in 2007, for their not-so-subtle depiction of blacks as criminals.” – from the AP article.
And this is where you see editorial content in the bulk of the “news” article. No quoted source here? Who then alleges black sheep represent black people? The writer of the AP story.
I can make up my own mind, politically correct AP hack, thank you very much. I’ve decided that “black sheep” means what it’s meant for hundreds if not thousands of years. And undesirable element.
Report Post »mark t
Posted on November 25, 2010 at 6:54pmmaybee we could take a hint and a new flag!!!!!
Report Post »dontbotherme
Posted on November 25, 2010 at 6:20pmI wish we American citizens had the “authority to enforce” our own laws & deport criminals. This is not a racist comment. It is a criminal comment.
Report Post »regis24
Posted on November 25, 2010 at 9:05pmThere are really no “international laws”. It appears that White Countries are the only Countries which foot all the bills and the ills of the third world. Whites, by inventing these so-called “international laws” are a bunch of fools being taken for the longest ride by all the blood suckers of the dark world.’
Report Post »Let the damn third work suckers die. Let them starve. Let them go to hell for all I care.
We have to get rid of all non Whites with minor exceptions. Hopefully, that the next White President will declare a State of Emergency and round up the invaders and stop the non-White invasion.
heavyduty
Posted on November 25, 2010 at 6:10pmThe problem is not with our laws. The problem lies with the international law. Because some laws are going to clash with international laws. This is just one more step in a One World Government. The liberal social communistic marxist people know that a people with one belief are far easier to control.
Report Post »uncleherbert
Posted on November 25, 2010 at 5:28pmMSM, the so called keepers of our liberties, have no honor.
Report Post »J.C. McGlynn
Posted on November 25, 2010 at 2:47pmAre they blaming the TEA Partiers yet???
Report Post »AmericanLass
Posted on November 25, 2010 at 2:38pmThe msm media who are OBSESSED with race here in the US would USE it as the race card.
Report Post »TheGreyPiper
Posted on November 25, 2010 at 2:15pmOh, of course it’s racist. You’re questioning leftist orthodoxy, you’re a racist and a Nazi and a Catholic and a ********* and a Klansman and a Rethuglitard. Hmm, did I miss any? Would one of our resident commiepologist trolls alert me if I omitted any of the accusations leveled at one who challenges the Ivory Tower?
Report Post »BRAVEHEART
Posted on November 26, 2010 at 2:42pmThey might include- constitutionalist, right wing extremist, fascist, and maybe white christian male!
Report Post »ChiefGeorge
Posted on November 25, 2010 at 2:10pmAre not the Swiss a unique and different people with traditions and values? Are not the folks in lets say Zimbabwee also unique and special and worthy of preserving their own culture and heritage. Then why is it when a nation that happens to be predominently white trys to preserve these things is called racist? There are thousands of species of birds in the world and all are worthy to be preserved from extinction and so are the Swiss, the Japanese, the Chinese, the Filipinos, the Germans, the French and the American. The manmade multi-culture is destined to failure.
Report Post »BRAVEHEART
Posted on November 26, 2010 at 2:33pmI agree, the Swiss people have a right to protect themselves, any thing less is a violation of their freedom and liberty as a soveriegn nation. Being politically correct is a false attempt to overide real political rights and privileges. If all their work fails I guess they could hire Obama to apoligize for them!
Report Post »Conserving Ink
Posted on November 25, 2010 at 2:07pmThis reminds me of the time the the British Labor party wanted to outlaw the term “blackboard” in the schools because it was racist.
Report Post »________________________________________________________
http://conserving-ink.blogspot.com
JEANNIEMAC
Posted on November 25, 2010 at 2:45pmJoy Behar of “The View” told the world that “Black Friday” was racist. Whoopi Goldberg had to tell her it meant that merchants made great sales that day.
Report Post »uncleherbert
Posted on November 25, 2010 at 5:26pmConserving ink, I would go to war with you. I love your wisdom. We need more people in the boat, I will keep holding up my end, you keep on keeping on. God bless you.
Report Post »Alvin691
Posted on November 25, 2010 at 2:00pmIt’s not a black sheep, it’s a gray sheep. Makes all the difference.
Report Post »JEANNIEMAC
Posted on November 25, 2010 at 1:53pmThe term is similar to “white crow” as used in some countries. It simply means that certain persons within a group are not acceptable to the rest of the group. In sheep, whiteness is the norm, due to dominant genes. White wool can be dyed. Wool from black sheep cannot be dyed, and is considered less desirable Anyway, the term is not racist. .
Report Post »R Divincta
Posted on November 25, 2010 at 1:49pmHummm… Pappy Boyington comes to mind. I think that the context here is that of mis-fits not racism.
Report Post »rdk
Posted on November 25, 2010 at 1:34pmThe Swiss seem to have the correct idea. Bad guys, stay in your own country and improve it if you can. Do not mess up our country. All surviving countries will eventually adopt this attitude. What is the policy of the darling of the media, China?
Report Post »HumanDoing
Posted on November 25, 2010 at 1:27pmThis is a tagging method people…wake up…what are they really chemically testing…bomb residue? or did they grab a hair or skin other sample. Lol its so obvious whats this will become … hopefully it isn’t too late. This is the language we should all fear in those links you posted @SNOWLEOPARD3200
An insider from the DHS wrote to a reporter who said,”The terminology contained within the reported memo is indeed troubling. It labels any person who “interferes” with TSA airport security screening procedure protocol and operations by actively objecting to the established screening process, “including but not limited to the anticipated national opt-out day” as a “domestic extremist.” The label is then broadened to include “any person, group or alternative media source” that actively objects to, causes others to object to, supports and/or elicits support for anyone who engages in such travel disruptions at U.S. airports in response to the enhanced security procedures.”
Report Post »Canadian Free Press
snowleopard3200 {mix art}
Posted on November 25, 2010 at 3:04pmExactly, the articles contained so much information I want people to read them for themselves in addition to posting important parts as well. That being declared a ‘domestic extremist’ is apperantly already happening to me and my family, as my 70yr old mother has contacted me about being selected out for extra screening that is an actual assault, then when she reported the matter she was threatened with never getting out of jail again for her natural life.
Be prepared for this to happen as well, and with more audacity from the feds. Someone is going to be hurt or killed by these TSA agents soon enough, even if only a elderly or disabled person having a stroke or heart attack due to the stress of their intimidation tactics.
It will happen.
Report Post »Brooke Lorren
Posted on November 26, 2010 at 2:18pmSo now they want to sent people like me (alternative media) to jail for writing about how body scanners violate my first amendment freedom of religion rights to follow my God’s laws (thou shalt not show thy nakedness, thou shalt not commit adultery)? So be it. I will NOT change my views though. The persuasion of power doesn’t work on me, Andy Stern. People have been burnt at the stake and skinned alive for taking a stand for less.
Report Post »snowleopard3200 {mix art}
Posted on November 25, 2010 at 1:08pmSoros at work again. Here the TSA will be part of Obamas new KGB of America; and with them having control of food production, power, transportation (claiming ‘safety’ needs) and such. Look at the news in the druge report…
http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/130549-next-step-for-body-scanners-could-be-trains-boats-and-the-metro where they will be using them for public transportation (read “city buslines, etc.”)
Also the NZ patriot has good information out on the new food safety bill at…
http://newzeal.blogspot.com/2010/11/who-benefits-food-safety-bill-will.html
Please check these out, as the Homeland security will soon have total control over the food supply.
Report Post »Sledgehammer
Posted on November 25, 2010 at 1:06pmHell we’ve got the same basis of this law here in the good ole USA, good luck trying to inforce it though (for now). Like a tidal wave, common sense is makeing a come back!
Report Post »MCGIRV
Posted on November 25, 2010 at 1:03pmI don’t blame the Swiss for standing for their national sovereignty! Good for them!
Report Post »MCGIRV
Posted on November 25, 2010 at 1:01pmAdd your comments
Report Post »5
Posted on November 25, 2010 at 2:18pmI just am adding.
Report Post »Libertyluvnmomma
Posted on November 25, 2010 at 4:49pmWhile some may add, I prefer to subtract……………..
Report Post »illegal immigrants!
Cemoto78
Posted on November 25, 2010 at 12:59pmSounds like the Swiss are getting a little fed up, like Americans, on illegal immigrants coming in and scamming the system. Wonder what would happen if Americans were given the vote on immigration reform rather than the politicians looking to garner more voters than to respect the law.
Report Post »MAULEMALL
Posted on November 25, 2010 at 1:11pmI think I’ll be giving Swiss Army Knives this Christmass…
Report Post »Goobergregory
Posted on November 25, 2010 at 1:55pmSometimes a Black sheep is just a bad element. I am a Black Sheep from my family because I do not do things the way they do. That is NOT racist. It is stating that those who do wrong and outside of the law are deemed the black sheep of the herd and should be expelled. now where to send them is another story all together. Maybe we need to find another Australia type of Island that we can make a prison colony and see if they learn to behave on their own??? Just a THOUGHT!
Report Post »snowleopard3200 {mix art}
Posted on November 25, 2010 at 3:00pm@Goobergregory
Good to know there are other blacksheep out there in the jungle. If we are going to have an island prison colony put the politicians who violate their oath to the people on it and do the highlander movie quote “There can be only one” and let it be a fight to the death, also the last one standing is left behind on the island forever.
Report Post »JKN
Posted on November 26, 2010 at 8:30amThe real issue is that if a foreign immigrant commits a serious crime in his or her host country, he or she should be deported… Makes sense to me.
Report Post »kreese
Posted on November 26, 2010 at 10:46amLet me get this straight: If Switzerland passes a law to protect the integrity of the country, it may violate “internatonal law”??? They should tell the European Union to go to hell!
The VAST majority of their jail/prison inmates are foreigners from the “east”. Reminds me of this once Golden State where much, if not most of the crime is committed by “visitors” from the “south”. Even Arizona citizens have to protect themselves from visitors from the “south”.
America has gone insane–we are trying to change a culture in Afghanistan, (which ain’t gonna happen) and we can’t, or won’t preserve our own culture–much less protect our borders.
We have protected the world long enough. If we don’t protect America, we won’t be protecting anyone!
Report Post »