Navigating Power and Identity
June 7, 2024
I intended to write about the European election results from a Dutch perspective, but I received a message from my friend Pim Bouwman. Pim, along with his wife Marilieke Engbert, recently launched their new book "Eenzaam aan de top" ("Lonely at the Top"). I will undoubtedly discuss this book soon. However, Pim sent me four topics for which he wants my reaction:
"The Best at the Top? We Had Everything Going for Us and Nothing Against Us". An essay by Joris Luyendijk, published in NRC on February 4, 2022, explores how specific individuals, often men in positions of power, have benefited from systemic advantages. Luyendijk argues that these individuals have had the privilege of being born into favorable circumstances, significantly contributing to their success.
"Opinion: Dear Coalition, Ordinary Dutch People Also Live in the Caribbean". Wouter Veenendaal's opinion piece, dated June 6, 2024, highlights how the new coalition seems to overlook the residents of the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom. Veenendaal points out that these regions face lower existential security and political trust than other Dutch regions.
"Ministry of BZK Establishes Two New Chairs for the Kingdom". On May 23, 2024, the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) announced the establishment of two new academic chairs focusing on the Kingdom: one in political science/public administration and the other in anthropology/sociology. Prof. Veenendaal and Prof. Guadeloupe will fill these positions, respectively.
Aart Broek's LinkedIn Rant. Pim also mentioned that our mutual friend, Aart Broek, has been quite vocal on LinkedIn. Aart criticizes students and questions whether they realize that their actions play into the hands of Hamas. Pim, I also disagree with what is happening in Gaza, and I understand Aart's point. However, it is essential to consider how people express their viewpoints, both the students and Aart. It ultimately revolves around human lives and the emotions involved.
Luyendijk's essay circles back to his "7 vinkjes" (seven ticks) theory, which underscores the inherent biases that favor those born into privileged circumstances. He concludes that as long as the privileged retain the power to define quality, they will always be at the forefront. This systemic bias emphasizes traits and skills that come almost naturally to those from privileged backgrounds, such as self-confidence and a well-connected middle-class network, while neglecting qualities like multilingualism and resilience that are crucial but less recognized.
Regarding Veenendaal's opinion piece, he critiques the coalition partners for only briefly mentioning the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom in the coalition agreement. This oversight ignores the significant challenges these regions face, where a substantial portion of the population lives below the poverty line. Veenendaal essentially confronts the privileged "7-vinkers" in the Netherlands, highlighting their lack of experience with real hardship, despite being one himself.
On the topic of the new academic chairs, it's worth noting that even the most well-meaning "7-vinker" will always have an outsider's perspective when it comes to fully understanding the islands. This is partly due to language barriers preventing genuine engagement and understanding.
I will send this response to Pim and await further discussion.
Miguel Goede
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