Based on the meaning of the most recent data on forced displacements, we present some conceptual tools in order to interpret the moral paradox of the lack of recognition of the rights of people seeking refuge. Our proposal for this analysis is based on the idea that both violence indifference and justification towards displaced people asking for aid are a reflection of the existence of moral boundaries which exclude them from our moral space. Moral boundaries, meaning the set of images, actions, discursive forms, mental schemes, emotions, feelings and symbols that constitute shared social representations, are constructed through the interaction of media, elite’s speech and social speech, in a vicious cycle of racism. A triple process takes place: denial, differentiation and construction of the image of refugees and migrants as a threat. Finally we point out some strategies of resistance and an urgent decalogue of actions with the aim of generating a new narrative able to re-frame the situation and allowing to build an inclusive community hosting. © 2017, Edicoes Universitarias Lusofonas. All rights reserved.

Forced migrations Nonchalance Moral borders Participative antiracist communication Mediapolis

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