Network members, Nima Dervish and Ahmad Mansour held discussions about radicalization with over 350 teens during a tour of five schools in Stockholm, Malmo and Gothenburg in March 2012. The lectures included presentations and videos, but Nima and Ahmad focused on group discussion on radicalization and religious extremism. They had in-depth and passionate discussions with students about the meaning of democratic values, such as freedom of religion and individual rights.
The students’ level of comfort and sophistication in discussing emotionally charged issues such as integration, extremism or honor culture varied considerably between the schools, and seemed to mirror the teachers’ own comfort level. Some teachers were concerned that they would seem racist or culturally insensitive, while others felt it was critical important that schools present a forum for students to debate their views. In some schools, it was clear that it was the first time that anyone had presented them with an alternative perspective. A few male students were visibly shocked, but also intrigued when Ahmad said that he did not tell his sister how to live her life, what to wear, or who she could see. In these cases, the discussions were highly animated and passionate, suggesting that students are hungry for opportunities to discuss these issues with people other than their peers.
RSS Feed