On Wednesday morning, our colleagues from RTL Radio spoke with psychologist Peter Kagerer, who addressed the themes of respect and tolerance.
Kagerer, affiliated with the Luxembourg Centre Against Radicalisation respect.lu, stated that violence often begins in the mind and manifests through language.
He observed a decline in societal respect for others and a loss of empathy, criticising the harsher language used in public discourse. Kagerer pointed to politicians and media platforms as negative influences that affect younger generations.
According to Kagerer, meaningful discussion involves listening, understanding, and taking others’ opinions seriously, even if one does not agree with them. He emphasised that dialogue is crucial for conflict resolution and violence prevention, arguing that conflicts should not be avoided but rather embraced as opportunities to find common ground and solutions.
Kagerer noted that the issue of violence predominantly affects men. He explained that societal stereotypes continue to pressure men to conform to an image of “strength” or the role of a “fighter.” However, it also depends on men’s socialisation, he added.
The psychologist also highlighted a growing prevalence of violence among younger generations. He asserted that schools must enforce rules and address troubling behaviours promptly. While acknowledging that school administrations face numerous challenges, Kagerer criticised the lack of adequate violence prevention measures in educational settings.
Kagerer warned that social media platforms, such as TikTok, can act as catalysts for violence. He specifically highlighted the dangers of echo chambers, where individuals become entrenched in their own beliefs, potentially leading them down a harmful path.
The psychologist emphasised that violence prevention must extend beyond schools to include crèches and home environments. He concluded by stressing the importance of personal responsibility, stating that everyone serves as an example, and therefore, it is essential to start with oneself.
