zeit.de
Rise of Right-Wing Extremism Among Berlin Youth
Right-wing extremist groups in Berlin, such as "Jung & Stark" and "Deutsche Jugend voran," are attracting increasingly younger adolescents, leading to a surge in counseling requests due to multiple underlying issues like school avoidance, substance abuse, and family problems. Recruitment happens primarily via social media, offering a sense of belonging and purpose.
- How do these groups recruit and maintain their influence over young people?
- The appeal of these groups stems from their provision of belonging, action, orientation, and purpose. Activities such as trips to small East German towns, Berlin demonstrations, and the use of social media for recruitment cater to these needs. Furthermore, the groups offer martial arts training and generate attention through public provocations, including verbal and physical violence.
- What are the immediate consequences of right-wing extremist groups attracting younger adolescents in Berlin?
- Right-wing extremist groups like "Jung & Stark" and "Deutsche Jugend voran" are attracting younger adolescents in Berlin, as reported by the Violence Prevention Network. This is reflected in a surge in consultations with Crossroads, a counseling center experiencing an extremely high caseload. These youth often struggle with multiple issues, including school avoidance, substance abuse, family conflict, and previous failed support attempts.
- What long-term strategies are necessary to address the root causes and prevent further recruitment into these extremist groups?
- To effectively counter the influence of these groups, a comprehensive strategy involving various actors and state agencies is crucial, focusing on stabilizing the overall situation of vulnerable youth. This requires addressing their individual needs, such as school support and family counseling, while simultaneously countering the groups' propaganda and recruitment tactics on social media. Long-term success depends on preventative measures targeting potential recruits.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the dangers and negative aspects of the groups, highlighting the concerns of experts and the severity of the situation. The headline (if there was one, which is not included in the provided text) likely would further emphasize this negative framing. The article's structure, starting with the alarming statistics and expert opinions, sets a negative tone that persists throughout.
Language Bias
The language used is relatively neutral, but terms like "violent," "antisemitic," and "Nazi glorification" are strong accusations that carry negative connotations. While accurately reflecting the Verfassungsschutz's assessment, these terms could be softened by using more neutral phrasing, such as "allegedly violent" or describing specific behaviors instead of using broad labels. The repeated use of phrases like "violent extremist groups" reinforces the negative image.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the concerns and statements from the Violence Prevention Network and Crossroads counseling center. While it mentions the Verfassungsschutz (domestic intelligence agency) report, it doesn't include counterarguments or perspectives from the groups mentioned ("Jung & Stark," "Deutsche Jugend voran"). This omission prevents a fully balanced view and could lead to a one-sided understanding of the situation. The lack of information on the groups' stated goals or motivations beyond the accusations also limits the reader's ability to form a comprehensive judgment.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplified dichotomy between vulnerable youth and violent extremist groups. It implies that youth involved are inherently 'prekären' (precarious) and lack agency, neglecting the possibility of nuanced motivations or individual agency within the groups. The narrative focuses on the problem of youth joining these groups rather than exploring a diversity of reasons and potential solutions.
Gender Bias
The article mentions the involvement of some girls and young women, but doesn't delve into specific gendered aspects of recruitment or the experiences of female members. There is no overt gender bias, but a more thorough analysis of gender dynamics within these groups would improve the article's comprehensiveness.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the rise of far-right youth groups in Germany, engaging in violence, antisemitism, and disrupting events like the Christopher Street Day. These actions directly undermine peace, justice, and the strength of democratic institutions. The involvement of minors further emphasizes the severity of the issue, impacting the future stability of society and the rule of law.