CAN A MINORITY RETAIN ITS IDENTITY IN LAW?The first two lines of action (combating terror and preventing radicalization) are less
relevant in the context of today’s subject. I can, however, assure you that the necessary
measures have been taken in this respect, too. It is the third line of action—namely,
preventing polarization and mobilizing positive forces—that is relevant to this afternoon’s
subject. One of the persons whose advice we have sought is Professor Ervin Staub of the
University of Massachusetts, who is an expert in dealing with conflicts between popula-
tion groups. Professor Staub has been involved in the reconciliation process following the
genocide in Rwanda; he therefore has experience of situations much more serious than
that in which our society now finds itself.
Professor Staub has written a report for Amsterdam entitled ‘‘Understanding the
roots of violence and avenues to its prevention and to the developing of positive relations
between the local ethnic group and Muslim minorities in Amsterdam, in the Nether-
lands—and the rest of Europe.’’ Most of what now follows is derived from his ideas.
- A first step toward preventing polarization is to organize a real debate. At present,
much is said in Dutch homes, on the television, in newspapers, and on the Internet
abouteach other andtoeach other, but there is little dialoguewitheach other. In
addition, many voices are not heard, and I am not only referring to those of the
ethnic minorities. The vote against a European constitution is a sign that many peo-
ple in the Netherlands feel excluded. - This is not very surprising, as we hardly ever meet one another. To be honest, things
were not much better formerly, when the Netherlands was divided along denomina-
tional and ideological lines. People met other members of their own particular group,
but had little contact outside the group. Perhaps meeting one another is not in keep-
ing with the Dutch mentality. We are probably perfectly content if we can go our
own way in our own particular surroundings. But the consequence is a lack of contact
between groups, a lack of social cohesion, and an absence of integration of minorities.
‘‘Integration into what?’’ is then a justified question. Whatever the case, meetings are
a precondition for establishing a real dialogue, and for this purpose meeting places
are necessary: at school, at work, in the public domain, and on television. This is the
second step. - The third step is to ensure that in the dialogue we treat each other with respect. The
other person must not be demonized or humiliated. We all have a responsibility when
it comes to what we say. We may not like hearing it, but cursing and swearing causes
pain. Freedom of expression is highly prized in the Netherlands. This means that a
lot may be said, but what is at issue is whether whatmaybe saidshouldbe said. The
debate prompted last year by the murder of Theo van Gogh is very valuable in this
respect and must be continued. Dutch author and columnist Remco Campert was
the first to make this point. Writing in the newspaperDe Volkskrant, he inquired:
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