Fireworks, threats and sometimes even assault: eight municipalities in the province already intervened this year after nuisance on the streets. Why is that such a big problem now? Sociologist Peter Achterberg from Tilburg University explains. “The more you see it, the more normal you find it.”
On Friday, Raamsdonksveer became the eighth municipality to announce measures after nuisance. Young people cause unrest there in the evening by lighting fireworks and intimidating people. One woman was even abused.
Things have also gone wrong recently in Bergen op Zoom, Lage Zwaluwe and Roosendaal, among others, often due to young people. Municipalities intervened with a gathering and area ban or emergency ordinance.
Fireworks new
It’s quite something, eight municipalities in one year. But according to sociologist Peter Achterberg, the phenomenon of rebellious young people is not new. “Everyone can remember that you used to be rebellious. The fact that it is now accompanied by fireworks seems fairly new.”
According to Achterberg, when you are young, you are often ‘anti-institutional.’ “That means that you ignore authorities, such as the police and the mayor. You think you are free. Some young people even get a kick out of clashing with the police.”
Unrest during protests
Add to this the fact that it has been unsettled in the Netherlands lately. Protests against the arrival of asylum seekers’ centers and immigration got out of hand several times this and last month. “The more often you see that, the more normal you will find that behavior. It becomes less remarkable for some, and therefore you are less likely to reject it.”
It’s good that the police intervened, says the sociologist. “Negative behavior must of course be punished. The police in the Netherlands are quite good at de-escalating: in other countries they immediately unleash groups of officers on young people.”
More places for youth
Yet Achterberg thinks we need to do more. According to him, the government must tackle the cause of the problem. The sociologist thinks that there are too few places where young people under the age of 18 can meet.
“When I was 16, I used to go to a café to have a drink with friends. This generation of young people has few options for a fun nightlife. Many clubs and cafés are 18-plus. Then you just go to someone’s house and end up on the street. That should be different.”