Hate and unconstitutional thinking taking over

It is sad that extreme parties are getting so much traction, the internet algorithms seem to fuel it by pushing stories at people till they can't see the whole. 

I can only think to just keep showing kindness to others, and they might get the idea that it is better than showing hate. 

Alexa said:

And now, we have large groups of anonymous men parading in ports

Teens acting aimlessly, mainly, with nothing to do. More organised activities are needed country-wide to occupy those who can't think what to do with time - not a criticism but a fact. Many can't afford expensive hobbies, sports or clubs. Perhaps 'how to spend leisure hours' needs to be taught from primary school level. It would be very cost effective for the Government to put money in such projects.

Emmalephant said:

43% of voters between 18 and 24 voted for a party that was publicly and officially deemed extremist. 

I feel like things were getting better until Corona hit, the Ukraine got attacked and Trump was voted president two times. Probably because economics were better than (nobody seems to understand that it is normal for economics to go through recession from time to time…). And since then the AfD (the far right-wing party) gained votes, younger folks (and this can be backed up by multiple stats over the years) moved towards the right again and now 43% of voters between 18 and 24 voted for a party that was publicly and officially deemed extremist. 
But of course I speak from a Europe and especially Germany-centered point of view.

Germany post WWII suppressed the far right for decades.

It created a much more accepting culture so I think perhaps the changes are more acute for  you in your society.

Emmalephant said:

How do you deal with the world getting more hateful and narrow-minded?

I wonder if it actually is?

I remember division and unrest in my country all my life.

I remember gay people being beaten and killed and people who don't look the same as me, being vilified and attacked in my younger years (60s/70s/80s) - skinhead culture/National Front.

Abuse, certainly spoken, is much less rife than when I was young.

Sexism was terrible also when I was young.

I'd be interested if there are some stats on this.

I felt like that on the run-up to the UK's Brexit vote, when thugs felt they could harry people on public transport or in the street. And now, we have large groups of anonymous men parading in ports or being threatening outside immigrant hostels. I'm so sorry for Germany, after all the years your country has spent (after WW2) trying to prevent the likes of the National Socialist Party ever gaining power again. It was almost bound to be Saxony-Anhalt, often portrayed as the ex-East German rustbelt with widespread poverty. People who feel forgotten or disadvantaged are more likely to fall for extravagant promises of change plus there may still be some who look back on the DDR with nostalgia. Despair makes people try anything, if the status quo has failed to improve their lives.

I have become selective over the way I keep up with current events. I don't watch news on TV, preferring instead to visit major news sites in my own or other countries, to read detail on things at my own pace. Many of those who protest about immigrants are not people who attend universities and so you may find more open-minded people at university. Of course, there will also be those whose opinions give us grief, but you should be able to avoid them and spend most of your time with people who share your views. 

I take heart in the number of people - whether in Germany, the UK or wherever - who share revulsion at any politics that does not view all humans as worthy of respect and compassion. When the world gets too much, I withdraw within the walls of my home and indulge myself with the things that bring me pleasure. There is much in the world that is good, whatever humans do.

I was really sad and angry that a far-right party got that result. The world has gone mad.

I’m interested in politics so I have already ranted about that with one person. I have had a few rants about politics closer to home over the last few weeks. That gives me some release and allows me to carry on focusing on the people and things that bring positivity and compassion to life.

Mindfulness, walks in nature, my dogs, awareness of human kindness and showing kindness, are things that bring stability to my life.

I struggle with perspective when it comes to harm, because if one person comes to harm due to another’s attitude or actions, it’s one too many and perspective is irrelevant.

It’s easier to find perspective when looking for good will and human decency, because most people will see it somewhere.. Trying to keep ‘most people are of good will’ to the forefront of my mind helps me notice it when it happens. Of course the media mightn’t be inclined to highlight good will stories above hard fact news, and sometimes good will might feel illusive. 

I don’t know if I handle things the best way, but they are the only way I am able to get through.

I’m really sad that this has happened in Germany, especially when you have just begun your adult life and about to start a medical course that will lead to a job requiring compassion and respect for other humans. I’m glad there are people like you in Germany and I wish you well as you begin your studies.

Emmalephant said:

How do you deal with the world getting more hateful and narrow-minded? What helps you to see things in perspective

Just sticking to lifelong principles of compassion really.

My household is diametrically opposites on this subject so that's hard and I try very much to avoid the subject.

Headlines today (close to where I live):

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cm5y7rw74n09t