Can we live without stereotypes?

The tension surrounding the migrant/refugee crisis is such that any sense of moderation appears almost suspect and spurious. The reason is that everyone involved (local communities, organizations, politicians etc) is either afraid or worried - and very much so. Among the din of so many different and diverse voices, a new study from the Dianeosis think tank has for the first time recorded the views of migrants and refugees themselves, which challenge a number of obsessive Greek stereotypes. For example, 91 percent of younger refugees and migrants say that the main reason they left their country was to escape violence (75 percent have experienced airstrikes and 53 percent have seen their homes destroyed). Furthermore, 77 percent of respondents said they never or rarely take part in religious ceremonies.

The obvious question is: How far will we trust a study that challenges our...