Series
society
society
Derek Blyth
2 min reading time
The Battle of the Gravensteen
The only remaining medieval castle in Flanders with a virtually intact defence system faces a new threat.
society
Lotte Jensen
7 min reading time
Dear Government, Please Make Use Of Historical Knowledge to Defeat the Pandemic
Four leading Dutch historians call for insights from the past to be used to defeat today's pandemic.
Series
The DNA of the Netherlands
society
Cyd Sturgess
9 min reading time
Visibility Still Matters. Trans Rights in the Low Countries
The Netherlands and Belgium lead the way in terms of granting equal rights to transgender citizens in Europe. But the daily struggle against discrimination continues.
society
Tom Christiaens
6 min reading time
Harvest of the University Press (winter 2021)
Our selection of recent university press publications in English on the Low Countries.
Postcard
society
Derek Blyth
2 min reading time
The Lure of the Amsterdam Ferry
When in Amsterdam, Derek Blyth likes to travel by ferry. It's free and fun.
society
Sylvie Walraevens
11 min reading time
Hendrik Tratsaert: ‘Flanders’ Greatest Enemies Are Self-Censure and Self-Hate’
The new director of Ons Erfdeel regrets that the debate about Flemish self-awareness has degenerated into a polarisation between the populist right and the tendentious left.
Hind Fraihi
society
Hind Fraihi
8 min reading time
When Fighting Racism, Skin Colour Should Not Be an Issue
According to Hind Fraihi rabid Black Lives Matters supporters view colour blindness as a form of micro-aggression designed to erase ethnic identity and experience.
society
Luc Devoldere
2 min reading time
Spread the Spark
Editor-in-chief Luc Devoldere bids his readers farewell.
The L-Spot
society
Derek Blyth
2 min reading time
How the Bicycle Became a Family Car
Have you ever wondered where those cargo bikes come from?
society
Tom Christiaens
2 min reading time
The Top 5 Society Stories of the Year
Our best society stories of 2020, handpicked by the editor.
society
Republic of Amsterdam Radio
1 min reading time
Say Cheese! Culinary Traditions in The Low Countries
We find out what Flemish and Dutch people have been eating since prehistoric times. Smakelijk!
society
Republic of Amsterdam Radio
1 min reading time
School Bags on Flagpoles and Other Special Customs
We are delving into some of the unique and peculiar customs, social norms and rituals of Flanders and the Netherlands.
society
Hind Fraihi
6 min reading time
For Extremists of All Kinds, Jews Are a Target
Don’t start shouting that ‘we’re back in the 1930s again’, writes Fraihi. That sort of warning is counterproductive and even risks gaining the status of forbidden fruit.
society
Luc Devoldere
1 min reading time
FROM THE ARCHIVES: The Myth of Dutch Progressiveness
For a long time, the Dutch believed that the Netherlands was somehow a 'Gidsland' ('Guide Land'), a nation whose moral example could inspire other nations toward better behaviour.
society
Jan Renkema
8 min reading time
What Do the Dutch Want to Maintain?
In the last episode of the series ‘The DNA of the Netherlands’, we find out what the national motto ‘Je maintiendrai’ really stands for.
society
Jan Renkema
4 min reading time
A ‘Mental Passport’ of Dutchness
Jan Renkema gives an overview of the core trademarks of Dutch identity.
society
Hind Fraihi
6 min reading time
How Muslim Extremists Bring Jihad to Our Streets and Classrooms
Hind Fraihi believes that we have to face the reality of Islamist street terrorism and eradicate it using both hard and soft approaches.
society
Jan Renkema
6 min reading time
Why Trade and Thrift Go Hand in Hand in the Netherlands
The Dutch have a strong entrepreneurial spirit. In the seventeenth century, they were responsible for the world's first multinational company.
society
Ons Erfdeel vzw
4 min reading time
Farewell to the Quintessential Editor: Frits Niessen (1936-2020)
It is with deep regret and profound sadness that we inform you that Ons Erfdeel vzw former deputy editor-in-chief, Frits Niessen, has passed away.
society
Derek Blyth
3 min reading time
Poems for Lonely Funerals
In 2002, the Dutch poet F. Starik came up with the idea of the Poule des doods – a pool of poets who write and read a poem for the people who have no mourners at their funeral.
