First, I do agree to some extent that this is an overstatement, however, his/their criticism as harsh as it may sound relfects some degree of truth and should, therefore, be understood as highly constructive. The Netherlands has a past of radical action, joining voküs or protest or just hanging with anarchist and other activist you will most certainly come across this nostalgia. In fact, nostalgia has taken over the discours, sometimes a feeling of "we have given up, but back in the days...". Even today and especially the past weeks there were good (direct-)actions and demos and I also feel its going upwards.
Back to their criticism: Yes lets also take it although it does not refelect the whole truth. We can most certainly say that NL has the weakest radical scene in at the very least western Europe. Size and population cannot be an arguement here since Belgium, Austria, Slovenia have radical movent in particular against deportations and treatment of immigrants. What is the reason? Neoliberalisation of everything even social issues? I think that could be a big part of it; Next week is International women march - a close look at the organisers in NL (amnesty, liberal "feminist" organisations...) vs. Germany, France or Spain where mainly communists and anarcho feminists call to the street is a great example of this. However, Switzerland is even more Neoliberal and still you have a more active scene.
The turnout at this protest speaks a clear language, the dutch left is partly lazy, tired, unmotivated, too nostalgic,
disillusioned. The subculture is demonized or appropriated by liberals.
Last but not least, yes the Corona crisis is serious, but its even more serious if you are in a refugee camp such as lipa or moria. The freedom of these people is the condition for our freedom and if you actually commit to basic leftist values you continue your fight in this crisis( the best thing it can be done respecting social distancing) The fact that we are not more actively fighting against this system is a shame. The turnouts at protest are examplary of a paralysed counter culture.
We need more decentralised groups that organise protests, direct actions and so forth. A reality check (even if not 100% accurately formulated) can be refreshing and should be seen as a part of a dialectic that hopefully and eventually improves the radical movement in NL!
@if you want to cooperate
First, I do agree to some extent that this is an overstatement, however, his/their criticism as harsh as it may sound relfects some degree of truth and should, therefore, be understood as highly constructive. The Netherlands has a past of radical action, joining voküs or protest or just hanging with anarchist and other activist you will most certainly come across this nostalgia. In fact, nostalgia has taken over the discours, sometimes a feeling of "we have given up, but back in the days...". Even today and especially the past weeks there were good (direct-)actions and demos and I also feel its going upwards.
Back to their criticism: Yes lets also take it although it does not refelect the whole truth. We can most certainly say that NL has the weakest radical scene in at the very least western Europe. Size and population cannot be an arguement here since Belgium, Austria, Slovenia have radical movent in particular against deportations and treatment of immigrants. What is the reason? Neoliberalisation of everything even social issues? I think that could be a big part of it; Next week is International women march - a close look at the organisers in NL (amnesty, liberal "feminist" organisations...) vs. Germany, France or Spain where mainly communists and anarcho feminists call to the street is a great example of this. However, Switzerland is even more Neoliberal and still you have a more active scene.
The turnout at this protest speaks a clear language, the dutch left is partly lazy, tired, unmotivated, too nostalgic,
disillusioned. The subculture is demonized or appropriated by liberals.
Last but not least, yes the Corona crisis is serious, but its even more serious if you are in a refugee camp such as lipa or moria. The freedom of these people is the condition for our freedom and if you actually commit to basic leftist values you continue your fight in this crisis( the best thing it can be done respecting social distancing) The fact that we are not more actively fighting against this system is a shame. The turnouts at protest are examplary of a paralysed counter culture.
We need more decentralised groups that organise protests, direct actions and so forth. A reality check (even if not 100% accurately formulated) can be refreshing and should be seen as a part of a dialectic that hopefully and eventually improves the radical movement in NL!