Folks, Let's Talk About the Identitarian Movement's School Recruitment
Workers identifying themselves distribute educational pamphlets at schools
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Right-wing extremists are setting their sights on the next generation. Flyers from the Identitarian Movement (IB), a known far-right group, are being distributed at schools in states like Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, seemingly as part of a coordinated effort. Let's dive into what's going on here and why it's cause for concern.
The IB, also known as a "patriotic youth movement," takes staunchly racist and Islamophobic positions. They've made a name for themselves with protests, such as occupying buildings and unfurling banners with slogans like "Protect borders - save lives." In Germany, the group is being monitored by the domestic intelligence agency due to its activities.
Digging Deeper: The IB primarily targets young people, according to the Baden-Württemberg domestic intelligence agency. They spread their messages on the internet, through banner and poster actions, and in schools. Numbers vary, but around 100 people are said to belong to the group in the southwest.
The Message
The flyers currently circulating are titled "Teachers hate these questions" - a seemingly non-political phrase often seen on social media like TikTok. On the reverse, they tackle political issues such as the supposed low survival rates of young people in major cities, increased violence against women due to "mass immigration," and the demand for a reversal of migration movements under the slogan "Remigration."
These flyers aim to sow distrust among people with a migration background and propose "Remigration" as a solution to all problems. "Fight back!" they urge, followed by an invitation to join the Identitarian Movement. The goal is to capture the youth demographic.
Impact on Today's Youth
Rolf Frankenberger, a researcher from the Institute for Right-Wing Extremism at the University of Tübingen, explains, "This is typical fear-mongering." The idea that one's own population is a minority, the demand for "Remigration" - it's all familiar rhetoric. However, the novelty is that these flyers target the fears of young people, such as the future insecurity of their pensions and healthcare. The flyers stir up a generational conflict with the "boomers."
The Danger Lurking
Frankenberger believes that the IB is trying to inflate its importance with these actions and present itself as a larger force than it actually is. But the real danger lies in these flyers' potential to lure young people into dangerous right-wing circles, where they could potentially radicalize. The IB's target demographic appears to be teenagers between 13 and 16, a group entering puberty and facing identity questions.
Taking Action
Frankenberger suggests bringing these flyers into group discussions, as ignoring them could let them fade into obscurity. For schools, regional commissioners for democracy and tolerance can be contacted in case of extremist incidents. Schools in Germany have extremism prevention measures, such as educational visits to concentration camp memorials, integrated into their teaching plans.
Both Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg are taking steps to counter disinformation and improve media and democracy education in schools. In Bavaria, the 'Constitution Quarter Hour' aims to strengthen awareness of values like freedom and the rule of law. Meanwhile, Baden-Württemberg is introducing a new subject, Computer Science and Media Education, to help students critically analyze information and sources.
Remember, this isn't just about the IB. Far-right extremists use various strategies to recruit, including cultural and social engagement, symbolism, rhetoric, and online coordination. The temptation to enjoy a sense of belonging or face peer pressure could make it easier for young people to fall into these circles. Stay vigilant, and don't be afraid to talk about these issues.
[1] https://www.deutschland-radicalisiert.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Bericht-Nachwuchsrekrutierung_final.pdf[2] https://www.heise.de/politik/Schulen-in-der-Kreuzfeuer-der-Rechten-3918886.html[3]https://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/rechtsterrorismus-identitaere-bewegung-1.5347594[4] https://www.hamburger-mv-cd.de/stellungnahme-zu-rechtsradikalismus/rechtsradikalismus-rechte-extremismus-fan-pages-nach-dem-antisemitismus-dokumentation-2016-von-heinrich-boellenius/
- Education
- Right-wing extremism
- Identitarian Movement
- The Identitarian Movement (IB), a known far-right group, is using vocational training flyers to target young people in states like Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, spreading their extremist messages.
- Rolf Frankenberger, a researcher from the Institute for Right-Wing Extremism at the University of Tübingen, points out that these flyers aim to stir up fear among students and potentially radicalize them into dangerous right-wing circles.
- In response to the increasing concern over right-wing extremism in schools, both Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg are taking steps to counter disinformation and improve education and self-development, such as introducing Computer Science and Media Education and the 'Constitution Quarter Hour.'
- The DPA reported that schools in Germany have extremism prevention measures integrated into their teaching plans, including educational visits to concentration camp memorials.
- Frankenberger suggests that instead of ignoring the IB's flyers, they should be brought into group discussions to help students critically analyze information and sources, promoting awareness and vigilance against extremism in the community policy.
