Antiziganism – racism against roma and sinti

>blickwinkel #6

Antiziganism and racism against Roma and Sinti is omnipresent in Germany and Europe: Roma and Sinti experience massive individual, institutional and structural discrimination in all areas of life. Members of the minority are criminalized, stigmatized or marginalized and are not adequately protected from right-wing extremist violence. At the same time, the experiences of those affected by antigypsyism have hardly featured in the public debate to date. This is why the sixth issue of >blickwinkel is dedicated to this specific form of racism.

Right-wing extremist normalities

>blickwinkel #5

The perpetuation and normalization of right-wing extremist ideologies in broad sections of the population has reached a new level in recent years. This also has consequences for youth and social work. The extent to which youth and social workers are confronted with right-wing extremism today is illustrated by an inventory from 2023. However, the normalization of right-wing extremism also has an impact on young people. In her article, Silke Baer therefore argues for a better understanding of different types of right-wing extremist youths. Dr. Stefan Tepper then offers a critical analysis of previous gaps in exit work, providing new impetus for the further development of an extremely important field of action, also in view of the rise of right-wing extremism. Finally, Max Rademacher offers a practical insight into the “Breathe in - Break out!” project, which has been empowering young people in Halle to participate in social and political life through the youth culture of hip-hop since 2013.

Emotions in politics and prevention

>blickwinkel #4

Political issues are always also emotional issues. This is why this issue of >blickwinkel is dedicated to emotions in political education: Marie Jäger looks at emotions in right-wing extremism and right-wing extremism prevention in her article, Benjamin Winkler from the Amadeu Antonio Foundation shows how widespread conspiracy beliefs are among young people, and Dr. Harald Weilnböck explains the potential that narrative discussion groups at schools can have to promote democracy.

Conspiracy Narratives

>blickwinkel #3

Abbreviated explanations for social grievances can reach a large and often young audience via rap lyrics. That's why the third >blickwinkel looks at how widespread anti-Semitism and conspiracy narratives are in German rap and how conspiracy narratives can be addressed in youth work. Our authors also take a look at Turkish right-wing extremism in Germany. Turkish right-wing extremist groups are constantly trying to instrumentalize racism, hatred of islam and structural discrimination for their own ends. Another topic in this >blickwinkel: group-focused enmity and right-wing extremism in soccer.

Still and again

>blickwinkel #2

Youth workers are obliged to stand up for democracy and human rights. However, since the rise of far-right and right-wing populist movements since 2015, youth workers have been faced with new challenges in this task. Time and again, far-right and right-wing populist actors have attacked open youth work, often in connection with demands for supposed “neutrality”. Researchers Nils Schuhmacher, Gillian Zimmermann and Moritz Schwerthelm have investigated such attempts to influence open youth work. They present the results of their study in this >blickwinkel.

Moritz Keppler also describes the state of right-wing extremism prevention in youth work using the example of the district of Göttingen. His article provides an insight into the situation of youth work and the preventative educational activities of local youth workers. However, youth workers can also subscribe to conspiracy narratives or share anti-democratic attitudes. How do you deal with it if a member of staff suddenly starts spreading conspiracy narratives? A social worker from Berlin reports on his experiences.

Youth and Politics

>blickwinkel #1

The first issue of >blickwinkel is heavily influenced by the social debates and developments surrounding the coronavirus pandemic: With its increasing spread, conspiracy ideologies have also become a relevant topic in youth work. This is because they are also shared by role models and celebrities and are thus socially normalized. The pandemic has also given new relevance to preparing for an impending social crisis. In this >blickwinkel, we therefore take a look at the prepping scene and the collapse of state structures that it longs for, as well as the attraction that preppers exert on right-wing extremist circles. This >blickwinkel also looks at how extreme right-wing actors use the gaming scene.