This is an automatic English translation of the Dutch original.
It might feel like a relief: condemning whole population groups, or politicians, or activists. But it won’t solve polarisation. What does? A few practical tips.
Plus: a teaching pack for teachers to take the sting out of the debate themselves.
1: Look for what you have in common
In the news it’s all about an ‘integration problem’, but in reality we in the Netherlands largely share the same values.
Whether it’s about safety, respect, family, or simply wanting a good life – focus for a moment on those similarities.
After all, we are all human. Look for the similarities.
2: Share stories, not positions
Positions often provoke resistance, whereas personal stories actually trigger empathy and recognition.
Share, for example, positive experiences you’ve had with others. That way you work on the connection we need.
3: Take a social-media break
Polarisation is often amplified on social media. Algorithms thrive on it. By taking a step back, or by seeing through this effect, you stay open to other perspectives.
Take a break. Log out for a bit.
New: our teaching pack Potje Polariseren
In our project Post-Polarized Society, which we run in collaboration with Albeda College and the Netherlands Institute for Sound & Vision, we are working on a teaching pack about this: Potje Polariseren.
With it we help vocational (MBO) students see through the logic on the socials. It will soon be available to all citizenship teachers; thanks to funding from SIDN Fonds.