UNheard

In recent years, the western world, including the Netherlands, has seen a rise in unprecedented aggressive violence. Unorganized gatherings of angry citizens have led to indiscriminate destruction and looting of railway stations, shops, cars, and more. Large-scale protests by peasants are also becoming increasingly provocative and intimidating. What all these outbursts have in common is that the participants have their own reasons for feeling abandoned by the establishment and angry. They don't feel heard, and there is a widespread sense of powerlessness. Many people feel that the world is unjust.

Hannah Arendt believes that widespread discomfort can lead to the rise of totalitarian movements and their appeal to the masses. A mass is fragmented, consisting of individuals who are no longer part of a group with a shared interest, such as a political party, trade union, or professional organization. People in the mass are politically indifferent, rarely participate in elections, and are hostile to all parties. However, the mass does require a doctrine that provides structure, making it receptive to conspiracy theories that create a common enemy. Mass individuals struggle to distinguish reality from fiction.

This analysis by Arendt is still relevant in light of the outlined developments. It's crucial to take it seriously as people need to feel heard again.