Ideology, the more silent, the more effective, because it cannot be condemned. It distorts reality by hiding it, wrapping it in the cloak of invisibility, making it impossible to distinguish the outlines of things. Hence, history consists, at least to a certain extent, in naming things, both those that can be pointed at and, above all, those that cannot be pointed to because they are part of the fabric of our social reality, not of the physical world.

Adela Cortina

In a world where the spotlight should shine on the beauty of diversity and the richness of human tales, a term emerges, shedding light on a somber aspect of our society: aporophobia. Coined by philosopher Adela Cortina, this term encapsulates the aversion towards the less fortunate, exposing the gap between opportunities and the formation of exclusive social groups.

Imagine a scene where opportunities drift through the air like golden leaves in a radiant autumn, yet only a few manage to grasp them. Aporophobia, that disdainful glance directed at the less fortunate, erodes the very core of humanity. It shows itself not just through actions and words, but also woven into the fabric of our communities, where closed social circles dictate access to jobs, knowledge, and chances.

Pericles, the wise Athenian statesman, proclaimed: “We regard wealth as something to be properly used, rather than as something to boast about.” These words echo the timeless truth that wealth should be a gateway to action, to forging connections between individuals, not a barrier that divides and isolates.

Small towns, with their enchanting landscapes and close-knit communities, often harbour aporophobia, nepotism, and pretence. Here, nepotism may cast a lingering shadow, where family ties unlock doors that ought to be open to all. Surface appearances, like a gleaming but deceptive cloak, can mask inner struggles and true essence. Amidst these dynamics, incessant queries of «what side of town are you from?» or «which school do/did you go to?» shape life paths.

However, within these challenges, a glimmer of hope emerges. Aporophobia in small towns need not be a dead end, but a call to action. It invites us to create a fresh narrative rooted in empathy and openness. Acknowledging the toxicity of insular social circles formed since childhood in private or semi-private schools, we embark on a transformative journey.

As we tread the path towards empathy and fairness, we have the power to weave anew the social fabric of our communities. Through collaboration, we can unlatch doors of opportunity and dismantle the barriers that fuel aporophobia. In doing so, we fashion a realm where every individual can flourish, regardless of background or standing. In this renewed narrative, wealth serves as a vessel for collective progress, crafting a world where human tales interlace without fear or bias.

In essence, aporophobia serves as a beckoning call for change, a chance to reshape our small towns into havens of inclusivity and compassion. By embracing diversity and shattering enclosed circles, we construct a world where opportunity is not a privilege, but a right. A world where Pericles’ words illuminate our quest for a fairer and more just society.