I'm not racist, but.... Angry Italians point the finger

Inaccurate. Misinformed. Extremist. 

Just some words to describe the latest nationalistic propaganda pumped out by some very indignant Italians , currently being shared and liked all over Facebook.

 Take a look at this image, which uses the plight of Italian earthquake victims to have a quick bash at government spending on immigrants. 

Translation: "Earthquake victims receive €3 a day, immigrants receive €35. That is absurd."

Let's get the facts straight. 

Those immigrants entering Italy on boat are refugees from North Africa, fleeing poverty, conflict and death. They are obliged to be offered Asylum by International Law. 

However, many spend weeks in holding and detention centres, confined without trial and denied their human rights. They are then sent back to their countries, and some pay the price with their lives. 

The few that gain immigrant status receive €35 - for a limited period - because they have no livelihood, no relatives, no property and no income. 

Despite this, immigrants create 10% of Italy's GDP, which by far exceeds the €35 a day.

Earthquake victims have resources to fall back on. They receive support from the government and numerous aid agencies in terms of food and shelter. The government has also promised more financial support.

The central point? Whether or not government response is up to scratch, the treatment of earthquake victims should not be used as an instrument to stir up racism, nationalism and violence against immigrants.