Polarisation – Radicalisation

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Johan Leman, 2 December 2024

Let us base ourselves briefly on some experiences of the last few years in the Foyer work.

Regarding the possibility of radicalisation, the age is dropping and we see this happening mainly through social media. In addition, there is apparently an attempt to introduce radicalisation into new communities, through the introduction of Islamism into communities where hitherto there was only traditional Islamism.

Thus, one cannot stress enough that introduction in media literacy and in recognising the dynamics of algorithms should henceforth be part of both education and youth work. And similarly, a timely engagement with communities beyond familiar contact is something that should be pursued.

Everyone has also noticed by now that ‘people in uniform’ (police, fire brigade, emergency health services) are not liked in some youth circles and evoke resistance. Sanctions must of course be taken against this, but one should perhaps also ask whether the ‘uniform’ has not disappeared too much from the street scene as a ‘friendly and familiar proximity’. Is it really so obvious that ever-increasing scale in the operation of all such services is undoing their familiar day-to-day proximity?

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