My Heart Plea for Empathy and Inclusion in the Netherlands

As a culturally diverse woman with a Ghanaian background born in the Netherlands, I have a deep passion for humanizing the world and respecting all humans, regardless of their background. With this conviction, I address the recent events in Amsterdam that have highlighted a concerning empathy deficit within the Netherlands.

I want to be clear from the outset that I do not condone any violence, and I understand the complexities of the geopolitical situation that has unfolded. However, my focus is on the fundamental human need for dignity, respect, and inclusion - values that should transcend any political or ideological divides.

When the Minister-President of the Netherlands, Minister-president Dick Schoof , made a commitment to be a president for all people in the country, I had some hope regarding understanding whilst not being hopeful about the Dutch politics. . Sadly, his recent comments and actions have fallen short of this promise, and I feel compelled to speak up.

Schoof's swift condemnation of the "Moroccan Dutch boys" involved in the recent incidents, while hesitating to take a firm stance against the Maccabi supporters and their reported racial slurs, is deeply troubling. This double standard activates harmful biases (such as the horn bias, out-group bias, etc.). It diminishes the hard work of those like myself who are tirelessly advocating for inclusion and connection.

In a recent press conference, journalist Lamyae Aharouay asked the following questions to Minister-president Dick Schoof

1. Aharouay: how many boys were involved?

Schoof: we don't know.

2. Aharouay: You do not have the facts yet

Schoof: no, the facts are not clear yet

3. Aharouay: Over the Maccabi supporters there I notice a cautious attitude there when you say: "we first wait for the investigation to be able to reconstruct what exactly they have done, but about these Moroccan-Dutch boys you immediately say: 'there is an integration problem' why don't you take that cautious attitude there?

Schoof: "True that is a matter of a longer process."

4. Aharouay: Do you condemn the behavior of the Maccabi supporters and the slurs they used?

Schoof: "I think it's essential to make a statement about the violence these guys have shown because I don't think that's an excuse"

5. Aharouay: That's clear, but do you condemn the behavior?

Schoof: "Well it can't be condoned"

6. Aharouay: are the events of last week a reason for you to name the integration of 400,000 Moroccan dutch and 300,000 Turkish Dutch all at once as a problem?

Schoof: "we still have to discuss that with organizations, but yes we do have an integration problem

7. Aharouay: Has integration failed?

Schoof: "We do have an integration problem"

Integration should never be the end goal; inclusion must be the genuine aspiration. Schoof's focus on integration as a "problem" to be solved is a dangerous oversimplification that fails to recognize the inherent value and richness that cultural diversity brings to our society.

As a biracial Ghanaian-Dutch, I am acutely aware of the challenges that come with navigating multiple identities. But these challenges can be overcome through empathy, understanding, and a genuine commitment to creating a society where everyone feels seen, heard, and respected.

The Netherlands does not have an integration problem; it has an inclusion problem. This is not just about the experiences of those with diverse backgrounds, but also about the need for the Dutch majority to examine their own biases and preconceptions.

Inclusion is a two-way street, and we all have a role to play in building a more equitable and connected society.

Beyond the specific incidents in Amsterdam, I am deeply concerned about the broader societal issues that are being overlooked. The Netherlands is facing a talent shortage and workplace disengagement, yet we continue to discriminate against individuals based on their ethnic background, erasing the valuable contributions they could make.

I call on Schoof and others in positions of power to unlock their empathy and shift their focus toward creating an inclusive Netherlands.

We must not / can not amplify polarization, discrimination, and racism, these are the problems that we must confront head-on.

My work is driven by lived experiences of the impact of exclusion and a vision for a better future. I do this for my biracial son, for his generation, and for all those who deserve to grow up in a world where their humanity is celebrated, not diminished.

Let us move beyond the single story and embrace the rich tapestry of cultures that make the Netherlands the vibrant and dynamic country it can be. It is time to prioritize empathy, connection, and inclusion – not just as lofty ideals, but as the foundation upon which we build a more just and equitable society.

Watch The Danger of the Single Story

In her powerful TED talk, "The Danger of a Single Story," Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie eloquently explores the perils of reducing complex human experiences to a single narrative. This concept is particularly relevant to the situation unfolding in the Netherlands, where the actions of a few individuals have been used to paint an oversimplified and damaging picture of entire communities.

Adichie's words resonate deeply with me as I witness the Minister President, Dick Schoof, quickly labeling the "Moroccan Dutch boys" involved in the recent incidents as a reflection of an "integration problem" within the Netherlands. This reductive approach not only fails to acknowledge the nuanced realities of these young people's lives but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes that have long plagued this society.

By reducing these individuals to a single story – that of the "problematic immigrant youth" – Schoof and others in positions of power risk erasing the rich diversity of experiences, aspirations, and contributions that these young people.

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Amplify DEI

The Amplify DEI Newsletter is a newsletter that focuses on amplifying diversity, equity, and inclusion in order to activate and apply the inclusive mindset. Vivian Acquah is also known as the Inclusive Workplace Wellness Advocate (aka speaker, moderator, coach, facilitator). She is committed to making topics related to workplace wellness & DEI accessible to everyone.

Her last name means water, and yes from to time she is being hired to put out fires related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her unique value is that she provides people with the right tools at the right time to embrace inclusive changes, especially when you want to prevent these fires from happening.

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Free resources to activate or boost your DEI journey

• 7 Reasons Why Mastering Courageous Conversations in the Workplace is Essential
• Leveraging Virtual Reality to Mitigate Risks in the Workplace
• Activating Courageous Conversations to Maximize Business Impact