Hardly a week goes by without some polemicist whipping up controversy on matters that to most forward-thinking folk are a closed case (or at least not worthy of general furore). What has been coined the "culture wars" provides us with a litany of what should be non-issues which are nonetheless enthralling – a saga that sees elected representatives wade into discussions that are really below their office.
The latest episode in Belgium has landed in the unlikely town of Bruges – a place famed for its quaint charm and tranquil waterways. The city's cultural capital is undisputed and a new representative has been selected to promote Bruges as Cultural Capital of Europe in 2030. The appointee – author and playwright Dalilla Hermans – is eminently qualified to fulfil this non-political role and curate an engaging cultural programme.
The problem? Hermans is black, and her nomination has been branded "woke extremism and anti-white racism" by Vlaams Belang – a Flemish independence party that enjoys a not insignificant level of public support that could see it kingmaker in forming the next regional government.
Depressingly, members of the current governing party N-VA (also right-wing) have done little to denounce the unveiled racism aimed at Hermans. Indeed, party president and Mayor of Antwerp Bart De Wever has dedicated an entire book to the scourge of "woke", which he sees as a threat to Western living standards. If only as much energy was directed towards other threats to Western living standards...
Not to diminish the egregious remarks that deserve unequivocal condemnation, the "wokeism" debate is surely a distraction from more pressing issues. It draws on fragmented half-truths to drive a wedge between public opinion, often extrapolating to assume that thinking X about one topic necessarily entails thinking Y about another.
I was speaking recently to a self-proclaimed "progressive" South African who, with much eye-rolling at the mention of "woke", talked about living with powercuts for 12 hours every day. Even with the relative comforts that Belgians take for granted, there's plenty to worry about that will have a decisive impact on how we live.
With elections just around the corner, could it be that the national debate will descend to squabbling about "culture wars"?
Let @Orlando_tbt know.
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1. Former PM Charles Michel under fire for 'excessive' travel expenses
Former Belgian Prime Minister and current President of the European Council Charles Michel faces growing backlash over his "excessive" travel expenses, after EU budgetary officials asked for a 27.5% budget increase for his office from 2023 to 2024. Read more.
2. Vlaams Belang and N-VA race to the bottom in anti-woke attack
Flanders' two separatist parties – rightwing N-VA and far-right Vlaams Belang – have seemingly been trying to one-up each other with so-called "anti-woke" discourse, which has now come to a head following the appointment of author Dalilla Hermans for a cultural function in the city of Bruges. Read more.
3. 'The cleanest-ever electricity': Global electricity from wind and solar at all-time high
A record 12% of the world's electricity was generated by wind and solar power in 2022. Yet this remains lower than the contribution of coal – the most polluting energy source. Read more.
4. European Commission on defensive after diplomatic own goal with China
The European Commission on Tuesday sought to play down divisions with France and the US following a joint visit to China last week in which Emmanuel Macron and Ursula von der Leyen appeared to deliver very mixed messages. Read more.
5. Disputing speeding penalties: Half of fines dropped when contested
48% of appeals relating to speeding fines are accepted by Federal authorities, La Dernière Heure reported on Wednesday, citing data from the national road safety prosecutor’s office. This means that nearly one in two appeals are successful and the penalty doesn't have to be paid. Read more.
6. Russia tests 'advanced' intercontinental ballistic missile
Russia carried out a test launch of an "advanced" intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Tuesday, just weeks after President Vladimir Putin suspended his country's participation in the New Start Treaty – the last remaining nuclear treaty between Russia and the US. Read more.
7. Hidden Belgium: Gambrinus
Gambrinus is a handsome bar on the Grote Markt in Leuven decorated with wood panelling, gleaming copper chandeliers and faded murals. Typically Flemish, you might want to say. Until you spot the Bavarian wall paintings and the inscription Bürgerliches Brauhaus München. Read more.
