The Growing Pains of Europe's Youth

N°01/2012 | QUARTERLY MAGAZINE

The growing pains of Europe’s youth © Photographer© MEET THE REFORMER WHO APPRECIATES TRADITIONAL VALUES. AGE-APPROPRIATE WORK. IT’S WHAT’S NEXT FOR US. For Ludwig Lang, tradition and change are not necessarily a contradiction. Quite the opposite: When manufacturing axle drives at the BMW plant Dingol ng he combines the latest production technologies with 40 years of experience. For the project “Today for tomorrow” he and his colleagues, plant designers, physiotherapists and physicians laid out age- appropriate workplaces, using elastic wooden  ooring which relieves knee joints and ergonomic plant design. Also, the plant now is equipped with a  tness area and oﬀ ers age- appropriate work-time models. What Ludwig changes today will be to the bene t of tomorrow’s generations. That’s how we prepare for the challenges of demographic change. The BMW Group is the world’s most sustainable car company for the seventh consecutive year. Find out more about the Dow Jones Sustainability Index sector leader at www.bmwgroup.com/whatsnext and is more than twice the number of And 25 years on, I find it a little easier people living in Slovenia. Even in Sweden, to connect the dots. The link between which is considered a model but ruled by rising inequalities and the growing pains the right since 2006, youth unemploy- of Europe’s youth is evident. Sure, there ment is 22.9 percent. We have already are no quick fixes to profound problems. seen panic on the streets of London But on May 6th, the electoral pendulum and Athens. More might follow. So the in the EU might start moving to the left. growing pains of Europe’s youth is a very And remember the shirt of the team  fitting theme for the first issue of Fresh I fell in love with when I was transported Editorial Thinking for 2012. We asked British jour- abroad on Saturdays thanks to an old TV nalist Laurie Penny to frame this broad set? The winner of the French presiden-  topic (p. 8). She gives us a rough guide tial election (p. 32) will hopefully, in the  ﬀ to a generation that has been bankrupt world of politics, wear the same colour. and might yet become the first with fewer  For a young boy, it was hard to connect opportunities than their parents. But she the dots. It was the mid-80s, we had an also found a generation that was ready old, box-like TV in the living room which to fight back. only showed Sweden’s two channels As always, we take a fresh approach

provided by the state. The suburb north to the theme. Did you know that Portu- N° 01/ 2012 of Stockholm where I lived was safe but gal’s youth has been encouraged to turn Eric Sundström hardly exciting. Family travels abroad to Angola – its former colony – for work Editor-in-Chief were few and far between. But every (p. 22)? We found some critical thinking FRESH THINKING Saturday afternoon I left the country. driven by young people outside the party P.S. In three issues of Fresh Thinking we It started an hour before kick-off. The political framework (p. 26). And as our have gone from looking at the poor state first hour was public service TV, with faithful readers will know, we like to use of Europe to examining the extreme right information about the city where the photography as a journalistic tool. This and now the growing pains of the EU’s football match was about to be played. I issue, the photographer went to Palermo youth. And, in the spirit of the progres- fell in love with the team with red jerseys to see how young students are taking sive movement, we would love to hear from Liverpool, where unemployment matters into their own hands (p. 14). your feedback so that we can make the raged but where the people were proud The students in Sicily and elsewhere coming issues better. Please contact us of The Beatles and their football. I started would probably welcome the proposals at [email protected] with any thoughts you to master the map of England. But when to combat youth unemployment that have about what we’ve done or what you I watched the evening news with dad, were recently presented by the Party of would like us to do. the same cities that gave me joy in the European Socialists. The 20 bullet points afternoon were on fire. There was panic could, in theory, halt the drift of young on the streets, as Morrissey sang, and voters to the extreme right, described the TV showed pictures of an Iron Lady in a warning from Hungary by Daniel called Thatcher. Renyi (p. 29). Luxembourg’s minister for A quarter of a century on and The employment Nicolas Schmit and others Iron Lady is on screens across Europe have made a welcome effort to put the again. This time in a film about Thatcher youth guarantee on the EU agenda. But and dementia, but without Thatcherism. in order to achieve real change, progres- Unfortunately, Thatcherism flourishes in sives need to be in power. reality instead. The Thatcherite policies of privatisation, liberalisation, cutting welfare and education are again being practised by her conservative successors across the European Union. 5.5 million unemployed young people in the EU are following the footsteps of the financial crises and blind austerity. This figure equals the entire population of Denmark

FRESH THINKING 3 N°01/ 2012

Front cover and photo essay by Franziska Gilli | Photographer

Franziska Gilli was born in 1987. She is a freelance photojournalist based in Hanover. She grew up in Bolzano, Italy, and graduated in International Cultural Management from ISW Freiburg. Her interest in photography led her to study photojournalism and documentary photography at the University of Applied Sciences in Hanover (FH Hannover ) in 2011.

www.franziskagilli.com

4 39 39 22 38 38 34 34 25 25 30 30 21 21 29 29 36 36 32 32 14 26 26 13 13 8 3 6 PublISHING INFoRmaTIoN PublISHING mIScEllaNy luaNda To lISboN FRom SPEaK TEENaGERS our editor picks the best books, movies and movies music books, our onthe editor subject picks the best of youth rebellion an share disenfranchised a of to their turn how on around thoughts the fortunes explores how Portugal’s how explores youth are turning to aformer colony and for work hope. explains the how far right has taken control in ayoung democracy. are into taking their matters hands. own culTuRE PRESS THE mEET FRIEdRIcHS julIa wITH INTERvIEw INHuNGaRy HaTE oF PowER THE examines the cultural proving institution that parlia of being outside TRuST caN PEoPlE youNG THaT RadIcalISm aNEw NEEd wE debate the impact measures onyoung of austerity people. talks to the author has who revealed the shrinking ambitions of ageneration let b down NEEd’ wE wHaT TaKE ‘wE at the of anew rise class:looks the precariat. alRIGHT NoT aRE KIdS THE PolITIcIaNS SPEaK SPEaK PolITIcIaNS acTIoN INTo woRdS TuRNING IS THaT THINKING cRITIcal PolaNd’S calls for anew agenda to protect Europe’s young from austerity. people introduces this issue which assesses the challengesintroduces this that issue which young fac assesses people THE daNGERouS NEw claSS oF THE 21ST cENTuRy 21ST THE oF cENTuRy claSS NEw daNGERouS THE INNumbERS ... EdIToRIal charts the mood of the young the mood generation ofcharts their feel robbed who future. | At meet the and crossroads where politics art | Editor-in-Chief Sundström Eric | An eclectic mix and eclectic | An of ideas quotations that illuminate the subject of this issu | Stats andwhich figures | Stats sum of ourstate up the youth. | Adigest Europe’s of how leading newspapers | Europe’s young reveal people what they want to achieve and what they are sc most | Europe’s policy makers and thinkers | Journalist| Fernando Figueiredo | Franziska Gilli’s in students onhow Italy photo essay | Journalist Laurie Penny | Journalist Daniel Renyi Daniel Journalist | | Contributing editor Birgit Güll | Social scientist Guy Social | Standing

Paula Paula | Journalist| Ivana Bartoletti ment doesn’t mean being outside of politics. of being mean outside ment doesn’t

| Journalist Zuzanna Kisielewska e in Europe today. youth.

d having avoice. y politicians.

e. FRESH THINKING FRESH THINKING ared of. 5

FRESH THINKING N° 01/ 2012 ContEnt 19.7: The percentage of young people (under the age of 25) across the EU-27 who were unemployed in 2009. Spain is one of the countries with the highest proportion at 37.8%, Latvia has 33.6%, while the Netherlands just had 6.6%. The overall unemployment rate in the EU-27 was 8.9% in 2009. Source: Eurostat 2011

29: The age when women in Italy leave the parental home. Men are often older than 30. Compare this to Finland where women tend to leave the parental home at the age of 22 and men at the age of 23. (See Franziska Gilli’s photo essay on Italian students on p. 14) Source: Eurostat

40: The percentage of Germans, aged 15-24, who were interested in politics in 2010, compared with 34% in 2006. (See Birgit Güll’s interview with Julia Friedrichs on p. 30) Source: Shell Jugendstudie 2010; Youth 2010

78: The percentage of Austri- ans aged 13–30 who voted in their national elections, compared to the 40% of young people who voted in the EU elections in 2004. 45: The percentage of young people Source: EU Youth aged 18–24 who voted in national elec- Report 2009 tions in the UK. In the 25–34 age group, 53% voted. Source: EU Youth Report 2009

7.5 : The number, in millions, of young people in the EU aged 15–24 who are currently not in employment , education or training. (Read how young European’s feel that their future has been cancelled on p. 8) Source: European Commission

6 17: Jobbik that of votes party the the percentage rightwing Source: Eurostat 2009 (Read the fast how far right has in grown 20: The percentage of EU’s The percentage million20: 96 population aged 24% 15-29, aged in whereas Denmark, Germany and Italy, Hungary onp. 29) Ireland, Slovakia and Cyprus, Poland, more than with each Illustrations by polled at thepolled Hungarian in election April 2010. between 15 in and 2007.between 29 nations were The “youngest” less than 18%less of the population fell within that age group. Nina Rode Nina (Read are the how finding young Portugese jobs employees in in work temporary the EU in 2010. Source: EU Youth Report 2009 members of political parties in Slovakia in 2006, compared in Slovakia in parties members of political 2006, with 4%with in Sweden and 2.8% in Germany. 9.95: The percentage of people, aged 13–30, who were who 9.95: 13–30, aged of people, The percentage in former Portugese colony Angola onp.in 22) former Portugese 40.1: of 15 The percentage to 24-year-old 100: the number that the publishing of books belonging house to the cultural institution Krytyka Polityczna has published sincethe cultural it institution Krytyka 24-year-old employees working in part-time jobs in the EU in 2010. 24.9: of 15 The percentage to began. (Read about the influential Krytyka Politicznabegan. (Read about the influentialKrytyka Source: OECD Source: Source: OECD Source: Political Critique onp. 26) FRESH THINKING FRESH THINKING 7

FRESH THINKING N° 01/ 2012 ... in numbErs 8 The kids are not alright

From Madrid to Athens young people are taking to the streets, disillusioned and cynical about democracy and hungry for change. laurie Penny charts the mood and rising anger of Europe’s “lost generation”.

madrid’s Puerta del Sol, 15 October 2011: the movement, every person I spoke to hoods and taking to the streets in anger. In a hundred thousand kids chant that kids under the age of 25, of all political stripes London’s Whitehall, a barely-elected coali- didn’t care about the general election. Like and of none, agreed that the result of the tion government is forcing through, on a the protesters I have previously met in Lon- upcoming election was a foregone conclu- smaller but no less rankly undemocratic don and New York, the young people gath- sion. The polls would swing to the right and scale than in Greece and Italy, austerity ered in the Spanish capital thought that they couldn’t care less. No mainstream measures for which they have no mandate representative democracy was no longer political party could be trusted not to act in from the citizens to bankroll the financial doing what it said on the tin. the interests of big business. For better or failings of the super-rich. As the members of what started as worse, the youth of Spain were convinced University fees have been hiked by a the 15-M movement in the summer began that representative democracy no longer party that ran for government on a platform to hold an enormous general assem- worked for them. of fighting fee increases; youth unemploy- bly, a participatory democratic meeting They are the same arguments that I ment is over a million. Home ownership, of thousands to determine the future of have been hearing in Britain for over a secure employment and decent wages are year, as I have watched young people no longer realistic goals for people leaving Greek demonstrators have raised their voices who spent the election year canvassing school and college in 2012. Young job- against the unelected technocrats appointed to take care of their country and have been fighting for parliamentary candidates and work- seekers are made to work for free in super- running battles on the streets. ing for liberal think-tanks, donning black markets and discount stores in return for

FRESH THINKING 9 politics, to be clear what we mean by a “generation”. Politically, we’re talking about a specific set of political circumstances determining the psychic tempo of a demographic linked roughly by age. The generation of Europeans between the ages of 16 and 26, the people massing in the streets and squares of the continent, the warm bodies peopling the welfare queues of London and Lisbon and Budapest, share more than digital fluency and knowledge of Rihanna.

The golden generation

We are not just the people serving the power generation coffee, sitting pointless exams and fire-bombing police vehicles. We are the people whose emerging political sensibilities were framed by two major world events. Specifically, we are too young to remember what happened on and immediately after 9 November 1989, and we are largely old enough to remember what happened on, and immediately after, the 11 September. We have no clear recollection of a Europe divided by an iron curtain and, just as importantly, we grew up with no defined sense of a lived alternative to free-market political economy, however haggard and paranoid that alternative might be. We were the generation who grew up after Francis Fukuyama and other second-rate historical hacks anodynely Temporary work and serving “the power generation” Young people in Europe no longer pronounced the end of history. We were is feeding resentment in the young. believe in the transformative potential of parliamentary democracy. It is an indict- young people in unemployment benefits that barely cover ment of those in power that this loss of basic food bills. Betrayal leaves a bitter faith is not being taken seriously. Europe no longer taste in the mouth. Eighteen months ago, In 2012, with unelected technocrats believe in the 50,000 students occupied and vandalised in place in Greece and Italy, and demon- the headquarters of the party in govern- strators fighting running battles in Athens’ transformative ment to protest the raising of tuition fees Syntagma Square and demanding the right potential of and the removal of education maintenance to a voice in the democratic settlement, grants which had supported the poorest the crisis of representative democracy in parliamentary pupils through school-leaving exams. Now, Europe is becoming more acute. Those democracy. with crackdowns on dissent taking place under 25 are the first generation for some across the nation, the young people of time to grow up with the dream of demo- Britain are occupying, demonstrating and cratic participation as a European right, meant to take stewardship of a united and mobilising against austerity with a renewed and now that dream is dying. It is impor- booming continent where war and major cynicism. tant, when speaking about generational civil unrest were just things we learned

10 about in school. We were the golden generation, the lucky ones: the Europe we would inherit was supposed to be pros- perous and undivided, with the clear light of Chicago School economics driving away the ponderous shadow of regulatory thinking of any kind. In 2005, in my first year at university, I bought a cheap rail ticket and travelled around the continent for a summer. Every-

Home ownership, secure employ ment and decent wages are no longer realistic goals. where I went, from Italy to Poland, Slovakia to Slovenia, I met kids in youth hostels and in the all-night cafes of train stations who couldn’t wait for the future to arrive. Kids who believed that growth and opportunity and jobs would continue because that was the story they had been raised on. Now, the future we were waiting for has been cancelled. Those late-night sta- tion cafes are full of young people leaving cities and countries where there is no work to be had and the menu of potential adventures has grown sparse.

Nationalistic tendencies

What do the youth of Europe have left to share? Not as much as we previously thought. Being a young person in the Netherlands, where unemployment stands at 6.6%, is not qualitatively similar to being a young person in Spain, where the figure is almost 40%. The internal borders of the continent appear to be calcifying as the Eurozone crumbles. Much of the mood on the ground is nationalistic as resentment grows at austerity measures suggested, or directly imposed, on the ordinary workers of

Greece, Italy, Spain, Ireland and Great Students at Hamburg, Germany (top) or Oxford, UK (middle) hope there is more to the future than for those Britain by the IMF and the ECB. stuck in part-time supermarket work in Vilnius (bottom), but to many the exams seem “pointless”.

FRESH THINKING 11 In Syntagma Square in Autumn 2011, young people involved in anarchist movements told BBC reporters that, where once their politics had been trans-national, they now saw the emotional and practical logic of defending their country against the threat coming from Europe, a threat that would not arrive with guns and tanks but with financial ultimatums wringing

The future we were waiting for has been cancelled.

the life out of the workers, parents and children of Greece without a single shot being fired. With the Greek people now speaking darkly of the “German boot” on their collective neck, the language of Euro- pean division has not been so desperate for some time. To be young and European today is not the stroke of luck that once it was. The so-called “lost generation” is struggling to reach adulthood from London to Ljubljana in a world without jobs, without security and without an overarching narrative of how our collective future will be built. If anything unites us, it is precariousness, and it is resilience. It is our determination not to lie down Some students study in Berlin (top), while others are taking and accept austerity measures that none to the streets (above). The growing number of jobless, meanwhile, wait in line at the unemployment office (below). of us voted for, our willingness to put our bodies and what remains of our prospects on the line to reclaim the democracy in which the technocrats of Europe no longer maintain even the pretence of interest. On 12 February, with Syntagma Square ablaze, young activists across Europe held impromptu rallies in solidarity with the Greek people. That’s what real European unity looks like. .

Laurie Penny, born in 1986, is a British journalist, blogger and author who has contributed to the Guardian and the New Statesman.

12 a bright view for the future. A faction is emerging in society spawned by insecurity, frustration and w the 21stof century The dangerous new class created the new class: the precariat. abandonment by benefits of non-wage and agencyrary labour, outsourcing and the financial shock,with more tempo of the accelerated precariat has by been thanrights citizens around them. Growth of social, cultural, and political economic lions. They have range amore restricted and migrants in their hundreds of mil for life, millions as “disabled” categorised sive labour, criminalised tagged people before them, women abused in oppres do youth who not likecated what they see ment, including millions edu of frustrated anarrativeout of occupational develop lives, in and of short-term out jobs, with of insecure living people, bits-and-pieces tion. It is the precariat. liberalisation that underpinned globalisa factions. It has from emerged the bitter making, internally divided into and angry as aclass-for-itself, aclass-in-the- but wouldwhat Marx Karl have described ous new is class being bred. It is not yet should beware Politicians The precariat consists of amultitudeThe precariat consists . Adanger Guy Standing Guy ------of a tertiary society – quality time, society quality of a tertiary more equitable control over key assets for the precariat must involvestrategy of our 21st-century society. Aprogressive to have afairer share assets ofthe vital gain social and security, economic and precariat to gain control of their lives, to they are receiving benefits. once jobs take temporary low-income and theysecurity have no incentive to has no control over time, its no economic French National Front. The precariat True Finns, Swedish and Democrats of the in this witnessing the case drift and “strangers” for their plight. We are neo-fascism, blaming “big government” andfears insecurities to lure them into that populist politicians will play ontheir dangerstunistic. is of One the biggest making other people, with them oppor future hanging over their deliberations community and have no shadow of the not to belong any professional craft or firms.swells. Theprecariat Most it in do the latter has to allocate muchthe latter so time over their time than the precariat. But the rich having much so more control Again, there is no inherent for reason to to equalise policies it. need access equitable distribution of financialcapital. reduce income inequality is to ensure an money from money. The only way to elite have who aparticular talent to make enue from financialcapital going to a tiny There is no valid for all reason the rev capital. financial and knowledge space, “Quality time”“Quality is crucial a We asset. We need a strategy for enablingWe a strategy need the assesses the problems assesses and the conditions that - - while shrink asteady the faces precariat much to so ofthe quality spaceaccess them. use to before theyobsolescent have a chance of tricks called “skills” that could become anotherafter and to learning new bags chasing one short-term insecure job to handling bureaucratic demands, to by Policy Network. A version of this article was published The Dangerous New Class. sity of Bath and author of The Precariat: of Economicsor Security at the Univer- Guy Standing, born in 1948, is Profes- docan better. willwe or of discord. reap a harvest We anger. The politicians respond had better merit diligence. or lative inequalities that do not stem from are but these know cumu the reasons, long-term employment contracts? We much credit cheaper without than those burn. to sured protecting the insured, leaving the unin are limitingfireservices themselves to spending in the towns across US, some the rich are protected? In public cutting dwellings to ruin exposed while of those to the rescue commons. strategy in front of them? We aprogressive need libraries and community facilities wither commons”,age of “the as parks, they see ithout Why should the elite and salariat have Why should the have precariat their The precariat observes with growing with The precariat observes Why is that it the salariat obtain can FRESH THINKING FRESH THINKING 13 - - -

FRESHFRESH THINKING THINKING N° N° 01/ 01 2012 / 2012 ChaptEropinion ‘we take what we need’

In November 2009, in response to Palermo’s constantly rising rents and the radical cutbacks in university accommodation, young members of an autonomous student collective occupied an unused storage building in the Faculty of Science. It had been deserted for decades and was transformed into a self-organised dormitory called Anomalia – a name that suggests the abnormal conditions that young Sicilians find themselves in today. Because of new strict degree programmes, as well as a lack of jobs, they are often forced to rely on their families up until the age of 30. Despite an eviction notice, issued by the head of the university in summer 2011, the students have returned to the building and created a centre for political assemblies and social and cultural activities, all free of charge and held by students and young unemployed people. They regularly organise protest marches with Palermo’s high school students and recently occupied an abandoned convent in the multicultural quarter of Ballarò to turn it into a new social centre for the neighbourhood. Photographs by Franziska Gilli

14 FRESH THINKING 15 16 FRESH THINKING 17 1818 FRESH THINKING 19

Talking generation their about That’s why Iwant to truly live through We asked aselection of teenagers from across Europe questions: two what th Africa andAfrica India and get a view of their and design is amixture of allArt differ Death is what terrifies me the most. Not me the most. is what terrifies Death I find materialsecondary, wealth still but that beingI want amum to. Iworry Also you happiness, but not as much as, for achieve in life, and what they were most worried about. Their answers give are body close. body brilliant still I if could a mother and be needs attention and attention needs emotion from some have my way time own of getting for me! no regrets. fascinated with everything that’s newfascinated everything with miniature building or sketching with tinue concerns and preoccupations and young today.concerns of Europeans want in myself to look the eye and have what he she or deep inside down says, life. when And this final day arrives I is necessary and that bring can wealth is necessary is well how Iwill paid and be Iwill if ever sculptures. Iwould also love to travel to brand.designer It wouldsuccessful be cultures and art. What worries me most cultures me most What worries and art. as you would think. and aworking woman as easy won’t be I want to be to I want like most I would as if every dayas every the if was last day of my an factor. important Ithink that money unknown. and every moment thatevery Ihave. I want to live Icare about. of people ones, only my death, ofmy own death but close example, love. Every no matter person, forent me. Iwould activities like to con give andme satisfaction pleasure. I’m get the chance to achieve all the things Juliane, 16, Germany 16, Juliane, Weronika, 14, Poland involved that work with will to achieve running a a running achieve to - - - There is alack between of respect The things I would most like most Iwould things The What worries me most are everyday me most often What worries My worries? I’m about failing. scared I’m Living in Hackney there is aconstant dream adoc is to become My biggest For important. me education is very In the future Iwill ajournalist be in order I worry about making unhappyI worry people or ments can be shown by rather objects; be can ments human and people beings, and between myself be distracted and be myself then won’t things like getting mugged, or attacked. attacked. or mugged, likethings getting the happiness Ihave and give in my life. them grow up. I don’t think that achieve to have a family, raise children and watch the future. I’m that Imight worried let tor and Iwill to achieve do my best that. Istillfor some have along way to go. I that I’ll achieve quite alot of them. But the world. the environment. you if are So agood to help and people to make world. abetter for means: me it to alot of people meet to fulfil this purpose. journalist , you inform can them and save scared about school and I worry about and about school I worry scared I have many aims many I have I really would like would I really awareness ofawareness things like that. But mainly achieve my aims. and other cultures, to alot of money, earn offending people who I know. I who offending people though that I’lldo hope achieve them. Fatima, 15, Germany Louis, 16, Belgium Louis, Felix, 15, UK in my life and I’m sure to have job and agood to achieve to is - -

– not too much,– not too just enough. Iwant world The thing I would most like most Iwould thing The I could live that. with all I want I want all you to be happy.you to be I also I won’t have hope peace, areduction of pollutionpeace, and cli my little brothermy and little the children Iwant is thatmost is it already late too to stop mate change. I want to develop new plans of my life.nately part important are avery have children. If Ido, sure you be can I’ll the most of mythe most life. I’d like married to be to have my design company. own And to have, are in grave danger. I don’t think for renewable energy. me What worries that Idid what made me happiest. I’m girl. I’dto awarm and pretty love to have worries me the most is me how theI will most worries do in my wrong –especially exams, which unfortu to hard work why at school. Itry ily, which is happy and has all needs it life and not get single, divorced be or be love them. I’ll I hope have a happy family climate change, and this if is the case, Ithinkcause and love is important helps I want to be able be to I want I want to live to I want afraid of big changes and things getting a job Idon’t like, for example, It’s achef! exams. I also worry about the recession. exams. Ialso worry one marriage and no divorce! to Ihope good health, and wealth happiness.good What Jorin, 14, Germany Hannah, 15, UK 15, Hannah, Robin, 14, France Elena, 16, Ireland ey most wanted to vealing insight into the to achieve is to have afam as long as to possible make to look back and to look know . FRESH THINKING FRESH THINKING to achieve is 21 - - - -

FRESH THINKING N° 01/ 2012 tEEnagErs spEak From lisbon to luanda – a new life in africa

As Europe struggles with financial crises and rising unemployment, one country is turning to its colonial past for an answer. Fernando Figueiredo Paula looks at how young Portuguese people are being encouraged to look for work in Angola – and reversing the established immigration trend.

The Euro crisis dominates the European newspaper headlines. There is panic about the Euro, the state of the union and fears of bankruptcy and collapse. But while Athens draws the attention, there are other European countries in precarious financial conditions, feeling the pains of economic turmoil. Portugal is one such country struggling to avoid default. It has saved itself with loans from the EU, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund, but unemployment is rising. In December 2011 Portugal had the dubious honour of having the third highest unemployment rate in the EU; it had reached 13.6%. According to Eurostat, only Spain and Ireland outstrip Portugal for lack of jobs. Reacting to the problem, government officials took a surprising step. In October 2011, Alexandre Miguel Mestre, Secretary of State for Youth and Sport Affairs, advised the young Portuguese: “If you are unemployed you must leave your ‘comfort zone’ and venture beyond our frontiers”. The statement caused unrest among a population strug-

angola offers what Portugal can’t provide: jobs for the qualified and high salaries. It’s a desirable place to work, despite the difference in lifestyle. gling with austerity measures and the news that the unemployment rate of those below 25 was 27.1% in September 2011. But the message that better opportunities lay elsewhere hit home and people are taking the advice. The result has thrown one of Portugal’s former colonies into the spotlight. Angola, an African state on the west coast of the continent which was ravaged by war and unrest for most of the last half of the 20th century, has become the unlikely destination for the Portuguese job seekers. Although there is no official data, anecdotal evidence suggests the number of Portuguese residents in Angola is growing. The best estimates by specialists in migration put the number at 100,000. It’s not too hard to see why.

22 Angolans’ chances onthe job market are being diminished. But that is only part And theAnd company for his and pays aprivate accommodation, expenses driver food El Dorado for Portuguese youth looking for good jobs, is it instructive youth looking at for good to look for Portuguese Dorado El Portugal I was just Iwas ajournalist.Portugal Here Iam editor-in-chief. due Besides, t His and wife child live but he in has no plans Portugal to return there: “Although I live from my apart family.” of monththe which part every to is flies He Portugal between the two countries. the two between package he the negotiated communications with company for. he works “I pre investments,business yet lacks qualified employees to makewo businesses how thishow of colonialism phenomenon out born was and the uneasy relationship my family lives in Lisbon, wouldit impossible be to have the same stan in his for progress not: prospects career, an interesting pr his life there. But him Angola has offered something that coul his home country Over the past 10 the past Over in the number years Portugal college degrees with of people him to make up his mind, pack and go. Four since have he moved years passed he came to Luanda in 2008, Francisco the arrivalhe to came of many Luanda has witnessed in fellow 2008, to Luanda, Angola’s capital, in which time he has afather. married and become rent socio-economic conditions in I could never Portugal rent have socio-economic the s job the same benefits.” with His income is comparedhigh to the remuneration ing that by concern. employing They suggest foreigners in high-ranking job living in as Lisbon the one Ihave in Luanda, even taking into account the fact that sectors. Angolan however,sectors. economists, migra view this Portuguese instay are Angola. simply The opportunities for him there, better “I he says. mysented terms and they to them,” agreed in he of says fact way. arather matter countries rich in resources, Angola has the necessary capital for state-ru capital richcountries Angola in has the resources, necessary companies are investing enterprises in in several diverse busi Portuguese countrymen. Angola is employing young specialized workers and state- its culture and lifestyle. lifestyle. and culture From lisbon luanda to a salary three times what hea salary could back home. earn It didn’t take much time for among several that make other benefits this ex-patworthwhile experience desirable place for Portuguese people to despite work significant people desirable differen place for Portuguese of supply and demand, as well as the common language, has made Angola a doubled while job market its failed any to offer for work them. S of the tension that exists between the two countries. While Angola becomes the countries. While Angola becomes the two of the tension between that exists of someone in Portugal performing the same tasks theat same tasks the performing in same levelof someone Portugal of seniority gal can’t provide: jobs for the qualified and salaries.highLike m Here Iameditorinchief. Icould never have hadthesamekindofjobwith Francisco is ajournalist. Born in in the Portugal 1970s, he has spent of most Every he is reminded back time to Portugal he comes of why he to wants Forty years after the end of Portuguese rule, Angola offe now the end of Portuguese after years Forty In PortugalIwasjustajournalist. same benefits. ofessional challenge and any developing o the principle tion grow with rs what Portu rs ame kind of o the cur dard of . Since owned owned ces in ces n and s the ness ness rk. n d . - - - - FRESH THINKING FRESH THINKING 23

FRESH THINKING N° 01/ 2012 FEaturE birth of a Nation

Soon after Portuguese traders and navigators set foot in Angola in the 15th century, it became (and for centuries remained) an important commercial warehouse for the Portuguese slave trade. By the middle of the 20th century, however, Angola’s status at last changed; it became an “overseas province” of the Portuguese empire. Despite this, a colonial war broke out 1961 lasting 14 years after which Angola became an independent state. Thousands of Portuguese came back home in a massive repatriation programme, while Angola plunged into a violent civil war lasting almost three decades.

The majority of luanda’s 10 million inhabitants live on the poverty line, adrift and ashamed of how poor they are.

It ended in 2002. Angola has lived in peace for the last 10 years and in one decade its economy has grown, with GDP expanding at an average of 3.7% per year. According to IMF estimates there is a real possibility that this year’s growth will be a two-digit figure. Oil and diamond extraction account for around 90% of the GDP. According to unofficial data though, around 40% of the population lives below the poverty line and is concentrated in the larger urban centers. In cities such as Lobito, Huambo or Luanda the great real-estate investments stand next to bullet-hole ridden buildings, the witnesses to the country’s poverty and its bitter civil war. Bruno came to Angola four years ago. He left a whole way of life in Portugal – his girlfriend and his house with a small garden by the sea in Estoril, a wealthy suburban area near Lisbon. In exchange, he received a monthly salary three times higher than the one he would have had if he had stayed in Lisbon. He worked for an information technology company implementing IT systems in universities which led to him working as a consultant. After four years in Angola he is now self-employed, working with IT systems in one of the dozens of private universities in Luanda. For him, living in Luanda is an uncomfortable experience. It is, he says, a dirty and ugly city that has two opposite standards of living: “One is the Luanda of wealthy people. They are a minority and they live in a bubble. There you find money, restau- rants, clubs, terraces and expensive stores on the streets. Everyone else – the majority of Luanda’s 10 million inhabitants – live on the poverty line, adrift and ashamed of how poor they are.” Bruno believes that most people who have left Portugal for Angola feel divided between their will to fulfill their goals and the difficulties of adapting. Just like him. He says that life there is not easy. He doesn’t, however, regret his decision to emigrate to Angola. It opened the door for a new life and work experience. Now, though, he feels he has had enough. He believes the time has come to return home. He might just find, though, that when he comes back to Lisbon – and a Europe torn apart by debt and austerity measures – that all his friends will have gone and emigrated to Luanda. .

Fernando Figueiredo Paula, born in 1977 in Lisbon, Portugal, is a journalist writing mainly about marketing, advertising and business. SIC Notícias, the leading new channel on Portuguese cable television, broadcasts his work.

The names of the people interviewed in this piece have been changed.

24 our youth, argues our programmes but these measures are changing the fabric of society and will h Europe’s conservative governments are using the economic crisis to in trust people can young we need anew radicalism that younger generation. We are the ones people’s dreams and aspirations for an bearing the brunt of the crisis ris with war. world back to the first seems it Now hasn’t yet shaped aclear economic the left is an out to set agendathe left grounded for hard of study. years or work Young they are right now ? You’ll have to go right ing the most. suffer are life fulfilling and independent ing unemployment no return or and little to the is particularly true when comes it last dominated Europe’s parliaments like left is a risk worth taking only is arisk when the worth left do you know you do alternative. alternative. consideras people if that voting for the question of whether the left in Europe ofwhetherquestion the left economy is booming. This prompts the The need for a convincingThe need narrative I believe challenge the greatest for when Conservative parties parties when Conservative Ivana bartoletti. bartoletti. Ivana - - vailed in the financial arena for decades, younger generation, have the suffered happened drastically too and quickly, too hard-working majority, alongside the the financial After needed. crash2008 of this became utterly clear. utterly this became their belief that reform on the fringes to discuss alternative When I platforms. an to movements be tion. seem These there is areal demand and for fairness rates risingrates to levels. record Conservative was not enough. not was approach fresh A was ayoungwas politician in Ispent Italy a would trust. led to failureled built was on as growth lot of time in social movements. I did not place for their themimportant to express in the imaginative radicalism that mod including the privatisation of care, health legitimate gateway for introducing cuts, short-lived moneyshort-lived and speculation. The social justice among the younger genera countries. It will also have adramatic Theyconsequences. have pushed been always agree them with but I did share anger about how the world is run and and the Indignados in Spain show that are going to change the social fabric of and welfare. which cuts, These have as well as authorities cut to backs local out of the workforce with unemployment with ofout the workforce ern times require and that young people governments as a have recession used The logic of short-termism,The logic which pre Movements such as Occupy London - - - troduce cuts and privatisation The Occupy movement few ofthe past Ivana Bartoletti, born in Naples in 1979, Editor of Fabiana, the Fabian women’s network magazine.

London in 2008 and I have found inLondon the 2008 Labour is now discussing how to reform reform to discussing how now is Labour vested interests; promotingvested long-termism promising. transferred Labour New participate. It is not about reform on university fees as welluniversity fees as to cuts the edu months, and the sympathy has it gener money theravages to through fix taxation ties of the left to forge anew path. of the left ties to answer the to of question how create the periphery, but forming anew nar the younger generation would like to ticipation in decision-making processes rative about development and growth. impact onyoung who, people, among is needed. It is up par to the progressive in investment and and strategies; the is no longer possible. Asolid economic social justice and fairness in tough times. cation maintenancecation allowance. capitalism through greater employee par ated worldwide, tell us that a new agenda and remuneration tackling committees; alternative established must in be order other things,other should higher fear annual establishment of sustainable growth. of capitalism all can but we that this see very debate in the British party Labour I think that this is adebate in which I moved from Berlusconi’s to Italy ave adramatic impact on FRESH THINKING FRESH THINKING . 25 - - - - -

FRESH THINKING N° 01/ 2012 EssaY Sławomir Sierakowski, the 32-year-old founder of Krytyka Polityczna, is one of the most high-profile public intellectuals in Poland. Poland’s critical thinking that is turning words into action

Krytyka Polityczna (Political Critique), a quarterly magazine published in Warsaw, has within a decade become a powerful cultural institution. Some call its young founders the saviours of the Polish left, others armchair socialists. Zuzanna Kisielewska looks at the publication trying to prove that being outside of parliament doesn’t mean being outside of politics.

In November 2011, Krytyka Polityczna (KP) The media hype grew even more at the to put a stop to any further insinuations. was at the centre of a huge media scandal. news of a group of German anti-fascists, A letter of support for KP was signed by During Independence Day, a Polish na- who came to Warsaw to block the March many renowned intellectuals and artists, tional holiday, the streets of Warsaw were and ended up running from police to finally such as the world-famous jazz musician occupied by two opposing demonstrations: find a safe haven in a café run by KP. Po- Tomasz Stanko and Oscar-winning director the Independence March, with its nation- litical right-wingers immediately accused Andrzej Wajda. It’s true that the accusa- alistic banners, and the Colorful Indepen- KP of helping leftist extremists. tions put forward by the right-wingers were dent Blockade, a peaceful response to the “We have never invited any militant over the top but polarizing public opinion March organised by a coalition of various groups from abroad. We are against vio- and provoking its adversaries has been leftist and anti-fascist organizations, among lence caused by the nationalists, but at the KP’s trademark from the very beginning. them, KP. The media focus, however, was same time we want to condemn any acts of It’s also not the first time artists and intel- on the football hooligans who followed the violence on the part of anti-fascists.” That lectuals have backed KP. In 2003 Sławomir March and later on clashed with the police. was the statement from KP which aimed Sierakowski, the founder of KP, initiated an

26 open letter to the European public opin- “simultaneous creation of a certain intel- it: “It’s not hard to be the best novel and ion. He managed to gather 250 signatures lectual environment and transformation of remain hidden in the drawer. In the same from people of culture and high academic that environment into various institutions way it’s not hard to claim to be the true left stature. At the height of a heated debate allowed us to build our political identity”. but stay hidden in the basement.” Political The quarterly, which now has Ukrainian, scientists, publicists and social activists – English and German versions, is a platform they all enter the media with the identical mainstream media around which a whole network of institu- banner of KP attached to their name and didn’t allow many tions comes to life. By the end of 2011 contribute an alternative voice to the public there were over 100 books published by debate. KP’s website has also become an of the voices KP’s publishing house. Among them you important weapon in the fight for the posi- to be heard ... can find works by both Polish and foreign tive reception of leftist thought. In Poland thinkers and writers - from Marx to Slavoj this is a particularly hard goal to achieve. we wanted to Žižek. While printing presses are busy, all As a part of the communist heritage, leftist change that and around the country KP discussion clubs movements are commonly associated with are emerging and cafés and public cultural the old socialism, empty store shelves and allow opposing centres are organising meetings. the compromised propaganda machine. views to clash. Discussions go from issues concerning In the 1990s it was social liberalism that protection of the natural environment to was triumphant. Despite the bitter taste over the European Constitution the letter problems of economic exclusion. At the of transformation, the media propagated was a strong voice supporting European same time KP has expanded to Gdansk, the apotheosis of the free market. Slogans federation and opposing Polish lobbying Lodz and Cieszyn. Within a few years such as material equality or social justice to include references to Christian values. it moved its headquarters to the Royal sounded like a joke made at the expense No one thought that the discussion trig- Route, Warsaw, one of the most presti- gered in part by the letter would become gious addresses in the capital. The name To their a milestone for one of the biggest success of the place became a political manifesto: stories on the political scene of the Third New Wonderful World, which is a play on critics they Republic of Poland since 1989. words using the name of the street (Nowy are warsaw Agata Szczesniak, the deputy editor of Swiat - New World) and Aldous Huxley’s KP, recollects the beginnings of the maga- book title Brave New World. Timothy bohemians, zine. “Mainstream media didn’t allow many Garton Ash and Zygmunt Bauman have nicknamed the of the voices to be heard and both conser- been among the authors invited to editorial vative and leftist circles had no intentions meetings and the café downstairs is one ‘caviar left’. of debating with each other. We wanted to of the fanciest places in Warsaw. But the change that and allow opposing views to real ambition of KP is not its educational or of newly restored freedom. But discourse clash.” The first issue of the journal Kry- cultural crusade but the actual revolution is also politics. Sutowski explains: “It’s not tyka Polityczna was published in 2002. in the language of public discourse and politicians but people outside of the parlia- Sierakowski’s call – who back then was a debate. This is how Sierakowski defines ment who put new issues on the agenda.” 23-year-old student at Warsaw University – to resurrect the once prominent Polish tradition of the politically engaged intelligentsia resonated with representatives of different cultural circles. Many, like the current art director of KP and this year’s cura- tor of the annual Berlin arts festival, the Berlin Biennale, Artur Zmijewski, joined Sierakowski of their own accord. Michał Sutowski, a political scientist and member of the editorial board of KP explains that

Krytyka Polityczna set out to change the language of the public debate. The bookshop in the “New Wonderful World”.

FRESH THINKING 27 That’s true. In recent years many of the parliament’s initiatives have been inspired by the suggestions of citizens united in groups such as the Citizens Movement or the Women’s Congress; initiatives such as dedication of 1% of the budget for cultural institutions, or parities on the ballots, were their ideas. Both were supported by KP and both have succeeded. Sociologist Paweł Marczewski claims that KP works like a huge loudspeaker that lets ideas be heard. The simple fact that in today’s Poland it’s harder to speak disrespectfully about equal rights for homosexuals and that, for comprises more than simply Parliament. Slavoj Žižek is one of Krytyka Polityczna’s favourite authors. the first time in history, an officially elected To their critics they are just armchair mor- public servant is a transsexual, is a direct alists propagating civil liberalism – a new result of the fact that issues such as gen- breed of Warsaw bohemians representing to form an alliance with the established der identity and equal rights for sexual just one branch of the Polish left. That’s social-democratic party SLD, as well as minorities are being consistently under- why they are so often and so enthusias- idealists, dogmatic people and green- taken by KP and introduced to the public tically given the nickname of “the caviar orientated members. Such a composition debate. KP can be heard in public debate left”. Mostly, though, that seems to be envy. makes it difficult to form a political party. and its influence is considerable. But is it a However, if KP wants to become active on candidate for a meaningful political force? It’s not politicians the political scene, it may soon become In the country where a social-democratic harder. After the last parliamentary elec- party is in deep crisis, it’s a valid ques- but people who tions in the autumn of 2011, a completely tion provoked by the spectacular success put new issues on new and ambitious party, bursting with of intellectuals from the New Wonderful ideas for positive solutions, emerged on World. They remain distanced, however, the agenda. the scene. Led by the eccentric Janusz from any idea of entering the political Palikot, the party has quickly seduced scene or becoming affiliated with already The criticism that is worthy of merit comes many left-leaning voters. Iszkowski, who existing left wing parties, explaining that from those who point out that KP offers no is now collaborating with Palikot, claims what discourages them is how powerless coherent and comprehensive alternative that if Palikot’s party is able to introduce political parties seem to be and citing the social and economic policy. Although it its positive program, KP will be in trouble. hardships of entering the political scene. backs various worker protests and gathers In the meantime, the launch of a Rus- They tend to say that the political sphere signatures for petitions defending laid-off sian version of the quarterly, establishing employees it has little idea of what to do at least one new, self-standing community in order to improve the conditions of those centre in Poland and the implementation whom they defend. Sociologist Krzysztof of a truly modern drug policy are among Iszkowski, formerly affiliated with KP, com- the goals that KP wants to achieve this ments: “It’s an environment which is not year. It will probably also have to move its proficient when it comes to creating a headquarters. Rumours in the press say positive program. That’s why it’s a mis- that the city authorities won’t extend the take to recognize them as a true political rental agreement for KP’s current premises power. You cannot confuse politics with and in August, New Wonderful World will debates conducted among members of disappear from the map of Warsaw. But intelligentsia.” KP’s circle is also extremely the KP team is keeping calm: KP is much diverse. There are pragmatic people eager more than just a café. .

Zuzanna Kisielewska, born in 1980, is a The Krytyka Polityczna Guide for the Left. Ideas, Numbers and Facts, Questions and Answers. freelance journalist for various magazines The cover of a KP publication from 2007. in Poland

28 Their rhetoric that extreme is their so MPs tolerated could not even be among support from the country’s youth, says unprecedented in modern Europe. Most alarmingly, however, the movem Over the past decade in Hungary, the far right has grown in strength and with aspe The power in hate of Hungary Hungarians and Roma living people Freedom and (EFD) Democracy party. young and involved uneducated people political did system not bring the welfare mere before, three only polled years from 2002 to 2010)from 2002 failed to tackle the that many expected. the nation’s youth is particularly threat the European Parliament, the Europe for the ranks radical of the most faction of far-right having party, founded a been together in regions ofthe the eastern ry’s conservative party, striving party, for the conservative ry’s regional increased. differences The new refrain to violent action. from resorting Since its formation, the party has been has been formation,Since its the party was way short of the threshold for getting the of threshold for getting waywas short in the conflicts. –particularly between contexts local ing the first free-market ofa 10 years is that in Hungary, since and 1989, dur illegal organisations, which would not into parliament. 2010’s By contrast, after slightly more than 2% the vote, of which socialist-liberal government (in power power (in government socialist-liberal country. they abandoned So the mostly consisting mainly of young They people. In spring 2006 spring In also enjoy the backing of militant, partly almost 17% – nearly 900,000 votes. almost 17% 900,000 –nearly as the third having party, strongest polled and anti-EU politics with its supporters supporters its with and anti-EU politics homophobic racist, openly advocating of the escalating social tensions in their for, reasons decade-old and symptoms economy, unemployment and social and ening. One of the main for reasons this general elections, entered it parliament The success of the radicals of amongThe success At time, the same Hunga Fidesz, Like the previous cabinets, the , Jobbik, the only active - - - 10,000. Another catalyst for their Another has10,000. rise catalyst These combinedThese circumstances facili young Using people. the of shortcomings theyyears, were able to control fewer and political force, conflicts between Hun between force,political conflicts and members marchedpolice whose in public as an excuse, security they started bik cult own consciously its established demonstra mass pressure repeated with been the internetbeen revolution, their with main venue debate for political and tried to “maintain order” in underprivileged the quick ofJobbik.tated success Job by called to thefewer streets supporters tions. However, the passing with of the to put the government under increasing far-right as the voters, the chose streets for this attempting purpose to appeal to fascist organisations appear, an with aver Europeanfor eastern radicals. At these ture. It grew into the main meeting place resulted in Jobbik fatal tragedies. not only regions and provoked ethnic conflicts. Gárda, Magyar established and recruiting which as operated an alternative to the ing second world war. world ing second They attempted integral part of radicalintegral underground part cul lished by Jobbik, has taken place annually sense of community.sense complete unification of the rightwing, and answers” and institutional with support theacross country, many of which have a uniform similar to that dur ofsoldiers among disenfranchised and uneducated anti-communist and nationalist rhetoric. age number of attendance being around anti-Roma slogans, but also astrong events, dozens of far-right and also neo- and anover decade has the past become gave these impoverishedgave these “simple people garians and the Roma have increased The Magyar SzigetThe Magyar festival, estab Since Jobbik anationwide became daniel Renyi daniel . ------There have numerous been to attempts Reporters WithoutReporters Borders. Daniel Renyi, born in 1983 is journalist for the Hungarian weekly Magyar Nara- ncs. In 2011 he received the Freedom of Press Award from the organisation

bloggers among to the first understand bloggers based on aggression. onaggression. based popular Hungarian webpage with political ban the site, which is why is it oper now kuruc.info, which continuously publishes the force as police aremedy. ties andties social tensions lead, can even social social problems of treatment with the significance of the new medium’s effi ther the strengthening of radicals: the in the short term,in the to short the resurrection of ing The to European other eastern states. is only one cure that prevent can fur illegal and hate-mongering contents. solutions – as opposed to the currentlysolutions –as opposed complex problems simple with answers ciency. Their is headquarters the website a readership of 150,000 per day. per a readership of 150,000 There ating from aUS server. It is the third most extremism which functions by addressing of social inequali neglect decade-long governing Fidesz party’s harsher ofgoverning use party’s Fidesz ent has gathered alot of The of Jobbik rise should a warn be ed that is almost . FRESH THINKING FRESH THINKING 29 - - - - -

FRESH THINKING N° 01/ 2012 CommEnt julia Friedrichs Julia Friedrichs, born in 1979, works as a freelance journalist for, among others, the German broad- caster WDR and weekly newspaper Die Zeit. In 2007 her work was awarded the Axel Springer prize for young journalists and the Ludwig Erhard prize for young journalists. Her book Gestatten: Elite – Auf den Spuren der Mächtigen von morgen (Excuse me: Elite – On the trail of tomorrow’s powerful) was published in 2008. A year later she published Deutschland dritter Klasse – Leben in der Unterschicht (Third class Germany – Life in the underclass) with two colleagues. Her book Ideale: Auf der Suche nach dem, was zählt (Ideals: In search of what counts) was published in autumn 2011. youthful ambition loses its way

Young people today are happy just to aim for a simple family life. But according to journalist Julia Friedrichs’ research even that seems out of reach for many of them. Birgit Güll talks to her about the aspirations and ambitions of Europe’s youth and how politicians have let them down. julia Friedrichs suggests we meet in a café 40 years and families fall apart. With this to the right school, choose the right job. in Berlin’s Kreuzberg area. It is in a quiet great insecurity in mind, the bourgeois The answers I got from the schoolchil- street full of trees close to where she lives. idyll – a family, a job, a house, a few pos- dren are the result of this. I arrive shortly before the agreed time and sessions – is now something that seems she is already there. It is 7pm and she has so unreachable for many, that it has why don’t young people rebel? been out all day. It suits her well, she says, become a valid ambition. I find this sad Rebellion doesn’t exist any more. to get going with the interview right away, but it’s explicable. But I find it terrifying There is a very harmonious relationship so she can see her son later. that they want to build a fence around between children, parents and grand- But our interview isn’t rushed. She handles this idyll. parents. On the one hand, that’s nice. On each question with care and shortly after- When asked what they would like to the other hand, many youth researchers wards her boyfriend walks past the café change, many schoolchildren wrote that say that the purpose of the age of youth with their child. We wave them in and I social welfare recipients shouldn’t get so is to break free. When young people meet the two-year-old who was the cata- much money any more, that foreigners strive to become like their grandparents, lyst for Julia Friedrichs’ engagement with should be expelled from the country, the consequence is stagnation. the subject of her new book, Ideals. She that people who cause trouble should wants to find out how to change the world be treated more harshly. That wasn’t at The latest German youth study from for him. all the image I had in mind about young 2010 shows a slight increase in political people. interest. at the same time it shows that In your book, Ideals, you asked school young people hardly have any faith children about their vision of their Is the fear of belonging to the losers in political parties and their power future. The majority longs for a family, of the social divide behind this to influence decisions. Have political a house and money. why is there this segregation? parties driven young people away? desire for happiness instead of for I would definitely see it that way. When I As far as I’m concerned, I theoretically achieving big change? did the research for my book Gestatten: have a high regard and gratitude Young adults are finding out that many Elite (Excuse me: Elite), I could see that towards those who go into politics, but things that were almost guaranteed in the parents and institutions pass on pressure in practice this appreciation has often past have now become very unstable. to young people. Especially middle-class been let down. In 1998, when Germany They leave their apprenticeship and there parents, there’s an almost hysterical formed a government made up of is no guarantee at all that they will find fear that their own child won’t make it. Social Democrats and the Green Party, I a job afterwards. They see their parents Children feel that their parents want them believed in a real change of politics. The no longer working in the same job for to be with the right people, that they go disappointment that that government

30 talk about a “parallel system of the the of system a“parallel about talk you world. the around from talent the all up suck consultancies that say you schools elite about book your In change the country. say: I’m doing this job because Iwant to idealism from apolitician. They should any other. But Iexpect akind of special many, politics is just acareer option like that they are fighting big ideas. for For they stand for. Idon’t get the feeling rolebe models but Idon’t know what has many young politicians. They could At the moment the German government introduce measures to get rid of them. to realise what the deficits were and I had the feeling that was able someone minister.family von der Leyen (CDU) when she was latest politician to excite me was Ursula for and also turn that into reality. The They would have to say what they stand conduct politics, work out solutions. me if Ihad the feeling that they really petitions and on. so Parties could excite to aparty, go to demonstrations, sign I contribute without attached being contribute? woman, ayoung you, make to change to have would what becomes. I have to do with it, the more distant it completely alien to me. And the more At the same time, it is aworld that is permanently and in alegitimate way. cratic will ideas manifest themselves They are the only place where demo- inspire. Ithink political parties are great. this. There is who alack can of people sometimes you can the see result of areas. Without putting it in anasty way, problems fillingpositions in deprived Many parties complain that they have thebetween most able. necessarily the result of competition into politics. The choice we get is not fewer and fewer young who go people for many of my people age. There are private businesses was aturning point cians in particular later went to work for liberalised things and that those politi-

movement can have power. Very many has shown that a grown-up political anti-nuclear energy protest in Germany Those protests are all very different. The all? after rebellious Is youth demonstrations. energy antinuclear also and England in protests year, last demonstrations occupy the to led crisis financial the and politics with disenchantment in other areas too, to work in politics. difficult people, to get who couldwork somewhere. It is becoming increasingly those come from? people It has to start there’s that question again: where do inspirecould others. course, then Of changesome if there were who people for overboard. Maybe there would be throws all the ideas that they had fought thatOK is elected someone and then sibility has to arole be model. It’s not who takesSomeone political on respon- opportunity? this use politics can’t why influential. and economics, which is equally powerful another world apart from the world of people: to show that there has to be satisfy that aneed is there in many so ance. Politics is missing chance abig to traded,being not the smartest appear- mechanisms. Here, the ideas are best ent world, which operates with different Politics has to show that it is adiffer- circum stances. adapt to these conditions under any tion tends to nil. be The state shouldn’t and – sector public recognieconomic salary is pitiful in comparison with the aministerbe in five years’ time. The one canNo promise to you that you’ll salaries. You don’t get that in politics. influence things and all with very high offer aspeedy career, achance to nomic sector and the financial sector You to need discuss things. The eco- reversed? be dynamic this can chance”. no have to seem research, scientific or state the as such organisations, fashioned old whom against powerful new

- worked properly. worked tives. both occasions On it hasn’t really get together, fightback, look for alterna- again last autumn –that would people beginning of the financial crisis and I have at the thought twice –in 2008 fragile. have more become unstable, more Opportunities in life for young people tribution from the to bottom the top. few years. There was acrazy redis- muchSo has happened over the last youth? up shake could what “pragmatic”. call sociologists the which ageneration of part you are prognosis for the future. just earning aliving. Ican’t give any the political world and are satisfied with many who have turned their backs on is still the counter big movement –the is very lively and powerful. But there which organises of alot protests and ers such as the organisation Campact, is built. being There are many play- starting to contribute to the how country German youth waited for too before long me hope. Iwould find it a shame if Also the protests in Spain have given Israeli politics. high rents has turned into criticism of For example, in Israel aprotest against can political be people and are political. outside Germany show that young I’m rather disenchanted. The protests autumn 2011, but Ihad now hopes big along-lastingbecome movement. In something will happen here and it will injoined at the Occupy protests. Maybe power. Only in afew Berlin people citizens, they have political weight and accordingly, they have shown that, as They have demonstrated and voted havepeople said: we don’t want that. Fresh Thinking Vienna is acontributing editor for Birgit Güll Birgit

born in

. 1981 in FRESH THINKING FRESH THINKING 31

FRESH THINKING N° 01/ 2012 intErviEw Kaisa Penny François Hollande what is next for President of ECOSY French Socialist Party, – Young European candidate in the 2012 Europe’s youth? Socialists French presidential election

We asked some leading European politicians and young people today are no different to For too long young people have been for- political thinkers about what those in the past. Their problems are not gotten by public policy. The indignados could be done to improve mysterious either. The greatest problem movement and, to a certain extent, the the conditions and the future is unemployment. There are too few jobs Arab spring, show that the deadlock we prospects for the young and inadequate employment, apprentice- have reached cannot hold in the long run. generation ships and education services to get young This is a question of social cohesion as well people started in the labour markets. The as an economic issue for Europe. What so- European welfare states have been built on ciety can claim to prepare the future with- welfare through work. Income, social secu- out being concerned for its youth? How rity and a sense of belonging are all based can we reverse the feeling of decline when on work. The lack of it is devastating. the coming generation thinks that it will At the same time the decision-making not live as well as we do? I am convinced has moved further away from people, and that we need all the strength of youth to young people especially lack the means to recover hope and to put our countries and influence society and their own lives. We our continent back on the right track. Of find it difficult to enter the circles where course, challenges are different from one decisions are made, and political parties country to another, but there are certain and electoral systems tend to favour estab- constants. The first issue pertains to edu- lished politicians and interest groups. This cation. Europe must take care not to be feeds frustration and anger, manifested, in overtaken by emerging countries that are the worst cases, through rising support for investing massively in education in order extremist and populist movements, or, in to catch up. On this subject, I propose an the best cases, through activism like the educational pact in France that will put indignados or the Occupy protests. How- education back at the heart of national ever, it is far from clear how these move- priorities. Among other things, we will cre- ments might develop into sustainable and ate 60,000 jobs and will take a new look effective political forces. at the pace of schooling; students with How we have got here is a question learning difficulties will benefit from per- of political choices – a consequence of sonal accompaniment. The second issue the weakening of welfare states during the is access to employment. Young people good times, and austerity in the bad times. are less experienced and easier to make Therefore this choice can be reversed. The redundant, so they are the first victims of generation of current decision-makers a labour market squeeze. Improving youth benefitted from their parents work in build- employability is another major priority for ing the welfare state – their will to create me. To achieve this, a measure that I have opportunities for their children. Our gener- called the generation contract will encour- ation is ready to work for ourselves, and for age companies to employ young people by society. We are not asking for everything exempting them from employers’ social on a silver plate. What we want is the same security contributions for two jobs when fair chances in life that our parents had they hire a person under 25 and keep an and for this we need a strong, just welfare older employee on the job until retirement state, secured at the European level. We age. All our resources must be mobilised are the first generation to be less well off to integrate young people, all young people, than the last. Is this the legacy our leaders into the labour market rather than leaving want to leave for their children? them without a solution.

32 michał Syska judith Kirtondarling The Ferdinand Lassalle Confederal Secretary, Centre for Social European Trade Union Thought (Wroclaw, Confederation Poland)

The lack of possibilities to reconcile their we must show Europe’s youth that they careers with their private lives and the are part of Europe’s future. Our younger difficulties of obtaining an apartment are generation must not be considered dispos- the main obstacles that are discouraging able. We want a decent future, good train- young Poles from starting a family. ing, jobs and prospects for life. We need Support and proper funding of social jobs not promises. The European Trade policy aimed at young families (such as the Union Confederation (ETUC) is calling access to nursery schools and kindergar- for a legally enforceable youth guarantee tens, benefits, etc.) should be among our throughout Europe. Every young person national priorities. Polish spending desig- must be offered a job, further education politiCians spEak nated for these purposes, one of the low- or training. The youth guarantee must be est in the whole of the EU, should be seen supported by a genuine European employ- as an investment and incentive targeted at ment strategy, financed with €10 billion, activating young professionals, increasing taken from the €30 billion unused in the the educational opportunities for children, European Social Fund. We can’t afford to and a tool for reversing the disadvanta- lose a generation – we need action now to geous demographic trends. give our young people a chance! N° 01/ 2012

Pia locatelli Pauline Gessant PresidentÅsa westlund Socialist President of JEF, a MEPInternational from Sweden Women for FRESH THINKING politically pluralist S&D since 2004 youth NGO with about 30,000 members XXX we need to encourage the participation The EuEven is centristfacing aleaders, dual challenge: let alone xenothe fi-- of all young people in democratic life. We phobicnancial crisisones,being with huge unable youth to unemploy manage- must also recognise that youth organisa- migrationment, and well,climate decry change. multiculturalism. For the EU to tions are an indispensable channel for Immigrantsbe competitive create we social must uneasetackle both.and dis In- supporting citizenship and for developing order,times ofthey economic say. We crises social there democrats are political see young people’s skills, both for the labour itchoices differently: to make. Migration New jobs is a havecomplex to be phe cre-- market and for an inclusive society. nomenon,ated in green with sectors both positive with a focusand negative on sus- Unfortunately, we face an increased impactstainable growth.on communities. Money and We effort have shouldto use divide within European youth in terms of thebe investedformer, such in renewable as immigrants’ energy contribu and effi-- knowledge of foreign languages, access to tionciency. to growth The right and education welfare, isto fundamentaladdress the the labour market and mobility as well as latter,for young often people manifested to get ina job.irrational More fear.and participation in European projects. Ourbetter job education is to educate for all everyone, is a priority, but asespe are- That’s why the Youth in Action EU pro- ciallyinternships the young to promote generation, work on experience, all aspects gramme should be maintained as an inde- ofnetworks migration and andreferences. advocate Political our belief leaders in pendent programme focused on the non- integratedmust start societies.to talk about the future again. formal education of young people, active If people don´t see how the future could citizenship and support for the wide range become better, they will lose hope. And of youth organisations that represent the there is nothing as dangerous as a young diversity of youth in Europe. generation without hope.

FRESH THINKING 33 what’s making Europe talk

With the economy in crisis, many countries are resorting to austerity measures to see them through the hard times. Sadly, it is the younger generation who are affected by the cuts with a lack of jobs and training, and little hope for the future.

We have collected together what some of Europe’s leading newspapers had to say on the subject.

The Polish economy and the budget have coped with the global crisis in an exemplary way. But what about the people? That’s a different story. (...) It is not just what you earn that matters, it is also the standard of living. Because of the crisis, Poland has become quite an unpleasent European societies face a his- country for young people. It is mainly the new torical challenge as they struggle generations who cushion the crisis. The work to create a new job market for conditions have detariorated across the whole society, but particularly for young people. Only unskilled workers and find new one in seven of working 24-year-old Poles have a gateways into the education sys- permanent work contract. (...) For young people, tem for those young people who normal working conditions that were standard do not fit into the existing classes for the older generation, are now nothing but a and courses. For the individual, it dream – and one that cannot come true. is a personal tragedy every time a Polityka, Poland boy fails to make it. For society, it is an economic disaster that up to one in four boys is never trained to meet the requirements of today’s labour market.

Politiken, Denmark

The protest movements all over Europe and around the Medi- terranean first and foremost are about respect and dignity. There’s a growing fear, especially among the educated youth, that they will go down in history as the betrayed generation. What’s left for a young female engineer from Barcelona, but looking for a job in the north? What chances do graduates in Thessaloniki have apart from the shrinking public service and the unproductive field of tourism?

Claus Leggewie in Süddeutsche Zeitung, Germany

Those 60,000 kids born in 2002 will be 21 in 2023 and we’ll still be paying €3.1bn a year [...] And the 74,000 kids born this year will be 19 in 2031 – and we’ll still be paying. In Professor Whelan’s words, this will “bleed the taxpayer dry for the next 20 years”. The gross distortion of the country’s economy will continue, with increasing effects on jobs, education and health […] This is the price of the submissiveness and deference of this Govern- ment – and of its political ambitions.

The Irish Independent, Ireland

3434 The cutswillbleedharderthisyear:eachjoblossisafamilytragedy, fullofbitterpersonalhumiliation Resolution Foundation.Thesilentexodusfromhomesandschoolshasbegun,astomorrow’s housing pace is accelerating. Incomes will fall yet again this year: a 7% drop, the sharpest in 35 years, says the Institute for Fiscal Studies. Thereal value of minimum wageincomes has fallenfurthest, says the benefit cuts already start to drive families out of privately rented homes: Barking reports 140 new families benefit cutsalreadystarttodrivefamiliesoutofprivatelyrentedhomes:Barkingreports140new arriving lastmonth,including70uprootedchildprotectioncases,andwiththousandsmoreexpected. as wellhardship.Some1,829peopleadayarelosingtheirjobs,notnumbersbut–andthe For students graduating in 2008, it was enough to send For studentsgraduatingin2008,itwasenoughtosend years laterhadtoapply, onaverage,37times[…]Half found a job almost immediately, and among them there is practically no one who could not have found a place in is practicallynoonewhocouldnothavefoundaplacein the end.36%of2012graduateswerehiredwithin a month,but6%havestill notfoundanything. of the people finishing their university studies in 2008 out 24-25 job applications, but those who finished two out 24-25jobapplications,butthosewhofinishedtwo The uStoobelievedinthevirtuesofarunaway warned usaboutthisnarrowmindedausterity. Is integration without ever consolidating their base a bubble, to deny the obvious, to be deaf and blind a bubble,todenytheobvious,bedeafandblind France. ThisalsoholdsforEuropeanleaderswho belgium isnottheonlyonetohavebeenblind. deficit, not to mention Greece, as wellas Italy and have an astounding capacity to shut themselves in have anastoundingcapacitytoshutthemselvesin promoted theenlargementprojectandmonetary this anotherblindalley? to signalsandexternalreality. Economistshave to besurethoseprojects would last.Governments HVG, Hungary Le Soir, Belgium we knowaboutthegradualevaporation we are all conscious of the world’s trou shadow on the skies of financial markets. shadow ontheskiesoffinancialmarkets. world will not necessarily amplify what world willnotnecessarilyamplifywhat would beamajordefeat–resignationis is happeningnow. to combathistorical is strong,andevenalarmist.butthis not thewaytogo.becausetomorrow’s become acloudthatcanbarelycast bles andareveryrightfullyconcerned are vitaltoday. about theeconomicsituation andjobs. determinism, thought and imagination determinism, thoughtandimagination […] thetemptationtobepessimistic of political power to the point that it has Polly Toynbee intheGuardian,UK Libération, France FRESH THINKING FRESH THINKING 35 -

FRESH THINKING N°FRESH 01/ 2012 THINKING N° 01/ 2012 mEEt thEChaptEr prEss Turning to more recent and academic FRESH THINKING books about Europe’s current problems, let’s start with Jilted generation: How booKS Britain Has Bankrupted its Youth by Ed Howker and Shiv malik. As Madeleine Growing up in a rich part of Starting with novels, Bunting wrote in the Guardian: “The evi- the world where inequalities there are one or two dence of pokey overpriced housing and are rising. Being young classics that you simply endless unpaid internships piles up con- in times of austerity. The can’t ignore. About a vincingly. […] Howker and Malik argue that chance to study, but little quarter of a million cop- a short-termism, an absorption in immedi- chance of a job. These are ies of j.d. Salinger’s ate gains rather than investing in the future, the serious matters we are The Catcher in the Rye has contaminated our politics. […] For a addressing in our third issue, are sold every year, and for good reason. generation who have some good reasons and which are ever-present at If you never have met Holden Caulfield – to feel short-changed comes a manifesto.” the crossroads where politics the main character, antihero and symbol We couldn’t agree more. and culture meet. Editor of teenage rebellion and confusion – it’s Guy Standing, author of Eric Sundström suggests that time you did. And if you read the book The Precariat: The New you stop, look and listen when you were as confused and alienated Dangerous Class argues to how some artists and as Holden, it might be worth reading this that “every progressive writers have handled the story about longing to belong again. political movement has frustrations and hopes of The Loneliness been built on the anger, their younger years. of the Long Dis- needs and aspirations tance Runner, a of the emerging major class. Today that short story by class is the precariat.” One major part of alan Sillitoe, is the new multitude of insecure people that not as well- make up the precariat, is the millions of known but frustrated educated youth. This is an ought to be up alarming read. there with the Chavs: The Demoniza- true classics. tion of the Working Colin is a teenager in a poor working-class Class by owen jones area in Nottingham. He ends up in borstal has a broader scope, (youth prison) where he starts long-dis- but it is obligatory read- tance running as a way to get rid of every- ing when trying to day life. The final scene, which involves a understand how class competition against a prestigious “nor- and rising inequalities hamper the pros- mal” school, is a symbol of rebellion and pects of young people. The same goes for independence. lynsey Hanley’s Estates: An Intimate Nina bouraoui was born History , which focuses on housing. in Rennes and lives in Paris, but grew up in FRESH THINKING Algiers, Zürich and Abu Dhabi. She often addresses questions movIES such as the journey from childhood to adulthood, identity and The convenient link from books to movies desire. In Garçon Manqué, the French is the adaptation of The Loneliness of the term for a girl behaving like a boy, different Long Distance Runner to the silver screen. worlds meet, twist and turn: France, Alge- Tony Richardson, who directed the film in ria and the author’s own, personal world. 1962, belonged to the Free Cinema move- It is a short but explosive book where every ment of the 1950s – a reminder that a sentence hits home. good film need not be brand new or made

36 “tanguy” is applied now adults“tanguy” to those This is England We have recommended Whistle, I Whistle 2012, enabling us to revisit the and mods Fresh Thinking. to be They deserve Romanian cinema continues. young and female. the And new wave of film. In mentioned again, especially since now is who disillusionedmod his with parents hunter becomes the hunted. the hunter becomes Grand Prize Jury in Berlin. town. town. teenage girls fall who in love in a small follow agang of friends as they are grow rockers rivalry. we also have a second sequel to the latter alsowe have sequel to the latter asecond way, also the explores limits of being in Hollywood. Again, the finalinwillscene Hollywood. in a northern industrialin northern a town. ing up in and amix happiness of misery story about sex trafficking where about trafficking sex the story still living at home. Amore recent film in stay with you. with stay and his job. Rumour has that it aspecial about to leave prison, the won Silver Bear edition will be released onBlu-Rayedition will released be in Turn Me On, Dammit! This is England 88 in previous of issues The 1970s a was Tanguy youth rebellion. who period for filmsperiod closely parents, has actually actually has parents, , about ayoung man man can’t who afford the by rock opera to move away from his related to music and music to related language. The word drophenia edy about ayoungedy enriched the French the enriched , follows a London , follows aLondon , a French com we continue we to Me Love Me Europe. pains of grow pains of found across found Strong movies movies Strong Swedish com ing-of-age film film ing-of-age ing up be can ab out t wo wo t out ab the t ou ab La HaineLa Loverboy Loverboy , based on , based If IWant To , from Nor Show Show is a is Qua and and The The is a ------The story about a youngThe in story boy foster You should also keep your this open eyes As the Commons erupts inAs cheering, the Vélo Bristol East, points out that out points Bristol East, McCarthy,Kerry from MP for Labour Man I’mKnows Miserable Now Lie calls The SmithsMcCarthy arche “the banned David Cameron from liking them. much noise”. ment by Cameron immediately other two cites the francophone is world type of astudent band”,type and then about the Occupy Walltary move Street fate of the planet”. influences it how relationships,traces “a fascinating offers feature documentary Speaker has to intervene: “It’s simply too She concludes by wondering which won thewon Grand Prix in Cannes. will be released after much after will anticipation. released be look at debtlook as and amental construct songs by The Smiths:songs spring. spring. governingsocieties, structures and the songs the will students songs listen to Cam if students. care, searching for his father and abike, accuses Cameron of betrayingaccuses the and and eron’s law: policies become by on the book , muSIc FRESH I Don’t Owe You Owe I Don’t Anything and and by the Belgian johnny marr We’re Broke Not Karin Hayes William, It Was Really Nothing Really Was It William, THINKING margaret atwood margaret Turning documenta to The Smiths, Prime You will hear how hear You will Minister’s Questions”. premiere at the Sun the at premiere Go toGo YouTube and ries, ries, search for “Cameron, nifer baichwal nifer earlier this year. Based dance Film Festival of of and and dardenne The Smiths The Payback This Charming Charming This , the documen the , victoria bruce victoria Le GaminLe au . In his reply, morrissey or or Miserable brothers. brothers. by by Heaven Heaven had its had its have have , this this , jen . - , - - - - -

The clash The jam The boys beach The As journalistAs Jan Gradvall has noted, A band only active between 1983-87 1983-87 A band only active between Wall Keep your open ears … Brixton Problems Name the in Killing TimeDemonstration visa troubles invisa became so influential so became that their songs are mons. This remastered relying box set, recent event important most in music. the best band since the best onYouTube seconds 59 these explains friends in a that includes a and relates to her tion own stereotypes that school can be that be can school to to race riots in the early 1980s. What music in 1980s. riots therace early reminds that The Clash aband was that Smells Like Teen Spirit why the box will and the more recent protests riots, inequalities throughout Europe inspire? shows thatshows The Smiths were not just the Nirvana about about ofastudentarchetype band. They are on Morrissey’s wordson Morrissey’s and Marr’s guitars, easily referenced in the of Com House encouraged white youth to join their black demands arevolution against racism in ground Beat on the BratBeat . aretha Franklin aretha My Generation , a song that, asong predated the Brixton . makes us jump as everything simply suggest Rage against The machine The against Rage . also sing about m.I.a. White Riot The Smiths Complete Paper Planes Planes Paper clash tells us is it repudiates immigra . . The Another Brick in the jayZ . The beatles demands . . . Pink Floyd sample. Which Which sample. FRESH THINKING FRESH THINKING To list the best Teenage Kicks raps about about raps Ramones The under The youth isyouth not who have ago. hard in to beat teenage rebellion and songs aboutsongs clude that easy, but we’ll dreams aredreams tones Going Under Going The Guns of t alks alks t – asong Respect Student Student . con states states is the want want The The 37 99 99 . . - - - -

FRESH THINKING N° 01/ 2012 CulturE FRESH THINKING mIScEllaNy

Every generation laughs at the old fashions, Our youth now love luxury. They but follows religiously the new. have bad manners, contempt for authority; they show disrespect – Henry David Thoreau for their elders and love chatter in place of exercise; they no longer And you say, rise when elders enter the room; “My children weren’t the same” it better work out they contradict their parents, “My children’s children they’re chatter before company; gobble the ones to blame” i hope it works out my way up their food and tyrannize their And you say, ‘Cause it’s getting kind of teachers.” “In my day we were better quiet in my city’s head behaved” – socrates 469bC – 399bC But it’s not your day no more takes a teenage riot to get me out of bed right now And we are the youth of today Now all the Change our hair in every way – Sonic Youth, And we are the youth of today We’ll say what we wanna say Teen Age Riot, 1988 youth of England And we are the youth of today are on fire Don’t care what you have to say at all The youth of the present – William Shakespeare – Amy Macdonald, Youth of Today day are quite monstrous. They have absolutely no Schön ist die Jugend / sie kommt respect for dyed hair. nicht mehr! //Youth is a great time / it’s never coming back. – Oscar Wilde, Lady Windermere’s Fan – Deutsches Volkslied, 1926

Youth is a wonderful thing. What Women under the age of 30 are the first generation to see a crime to waste it on children. in their mothers that an interruption in their work or a – Attributed to George Bernard Shaw part-time job, leads to dependency on men and the state. – Jutta Allmendinger, the un declared august 12 international Youth German sociologist, 2008 day (iYd) in 1999. the first iYd was in 2000.

The problem with the youth of today is that one is no longer part of it. – Salvador Dali People try to put us down (Talkin’ ‘bout my generation) Just because we get around I was so much older then, I’m (Talkin’ ‘bout my generation) younger than that now Things they do look awful cold (Talkin’ ‘bout my generation) – Bob Dylan, Youth is the one thing worth having. I hope I die before I get old My Back Pages, 1964 (Talkin’ ‘bout my generation) – Oscar Wilde, – The Who, My Generation, 1965 The Picture of Dorian Gray, 1890

Ich möchte Teil einer Jugendbewegung sein // I wanna be part of a youth movement. who had made the arab spring? Young people who are hungry. – Song by Totoctronic, 1995 – Sean Penn

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