Diversity

In the Western media, any Arab country's tolerance is always measured by how it treats its Jewish minorities. The coverage of Djerba Jews has been excessive in the media, as they were wrongly perceived as the first target of the so-called "rising post-revolutionary fundamentalism". That, of course, fits almost perfectly into the narrative of putatively ingrained "hatred for Jews" in the Arab world and fits other politically calculated accusations. Last year's coverage of the Jewish pilgrimage in Djerba featured more reporters than pilgrims themselves, as everyone was almost expecting some outburst of bigotry and intolerance.
But coverage of other minorities, especially blacks, has been virtually non-existent. This article from last year sheds an illuminating light on the trials and travails of Tunisia's blacks and their daily struggle for acceptance, let alone full-fledged equality. Today, finally, at least one high-ranking politician acknowledged the importance of racial equality and called for "active presence of Tunisian Blacks in the public area", according to TAP.
Constituent Assembly chairman Mustapha Ben Jaafar said during a meeting with civil society activists: "It is imperative to be vigilant as to the issue of racial discrimination, particularly in kindergartens, educational curricula and media."
Hopefully, it is the first step toward elevating the issue in the public debate and not only making Tunisia's black population more visible in public life and the media but also drawing attention to the rich and varied facets of Tunisian identity.