Most Dutch people have had their fill of the widespread boorishness their liberal society has spawned

It is an irony, though it should not wholly surprise in the end, that an intense examination of the harvest of the abundant crops of our liberal-democratic society is presently underway in perhaps the most liberal and progressive country of the West. A commentary by Emile Bode and Sjuul Paradijs appeared as a sort of national self-confession under the following heading in De Telegraaf, one of Holland’s most popular newspapers:

Nederland walgt van hufterigheid

(The Netherlands is sick to death of boorishness)

Judica Me, Deus [now gerardcharleswilson.com] is offering a translation of that report without comment. The comparisons and references are as unavoidable as the situation described here is common to all Western countries.

The people of Holland are heartily sick to death of the process of decay in [Dutch] society’s norms and values over many years. Vandalism, abusive behaviour, pushing-in in supermarkets, tailgating on the road, crude language, giving the one finger salute, loud mobile phone conversations in public, violence on TV, graffiti and vulgar behaviour are leading to widespread annoyance among the overwhelming majority of the Dutch population.

This finding appeared from a representative survey of norms and values in Holland that this past week [22-28 October] was commissioned by De Telegraaf and carried out by the [survey] company Market Response.

The Dutch, who appear to have had their fill of the asocial and boorish behaviour of their fellow citizens, lay the main blame for the moral decline of [The Netherlands] at the feet of parents. Dutch society as a whole is also seen as one of the main causes. To prevent further decline in people’s awareness of norms and values, half of the Dutch population indicate that the restoration of this awareness can be effected if people simply show respect for each other again. It’s not the Government that is being held responsible.

Two-thirds of those surveyed think that the authority of the police is not enough to maintain norms and values. Almost half of the Dutch think that school teachers have insufficient authority. Also the present Cabinet under Prime Minister Balkenende, who itself got the discussion going about norms and values, does not project enough authority on this matter according to the majority of the people.

According to quite a large majority (77%), migrants have an obligation to adjust as much as possible to Dutch standards and values. Only 3% of those surveyed think that migrants should be allowed to maintain their own norms and values. Almost three-quarters of the Dutch think that migrants at this point in time have insufficiently adjusted to the rules and forms of social intercourse in The Netherlands.

Such things as exceeding the speed limit, sex on television, the Bentley of Minister Heinsbroek (Economics Affairs), sloppy dressing and the high salaries of executives are found to be less disturbing [by the Dutch population].

De Telegraaf website, Amsterdam, 28 October 2002

Comment: gerard@gerardcharleswilson.com