The Dutch Cry Wolf
After 100 of absence the return does not go unnoticed. Since x, the wolf has been a protected species. (EU and Dutch law: which type of wolf) In 2017, the species we vowed to protect, returned.
Turmoil in the public sphere between farmers whose sheep have been victims of the wolf and defenders of the return of the animal. In the general context of polarisation between farmers and government in NL, the wolf is one more factor of tension.
Eu and Dutch law more closely.
Frank: why is a protected species becoming political? (describe Frank work place, etc.) – Wolf part of voting
MYTH
Frank: wolf is becoming political because of the unknown, predator, fear
Cees/Frank: the fear of the wolf is coming from fairy tale myths (audio)
Archive photos of old fairy tail wolf – include what they say about the myth of the wolf – gone for 100 – now is coming back
The media reinforces these myths.
Cees & Frank talking about the media framing of the wolf that is hungry media plays a big role in framing the issue and amplifying fear and dominant discourse.
Cees quote?
Truth because people are afraid: Frank groupchat, fear of wolves in the streets (Frank talking about how people in his village were fearful for their children).
Rik/sheep woman
Frank video of the importance of, fair discussion, to keep telling the story
/ Frank saying informed discussion
However, Cees van Kempen highlighted to us how the wolves, if anything, reminded him of dogs. Cees quote.
- “People have a gut feeling that they are afraid of the wolf”
So what is the reality?
Government reality
- Cees – Money compensation, how much damage the wolf actually makes, other ways sheep die (official data – our own research)
- Frank – Suggested precautions that people aren’t taking
Image of fence + video of Frank saying humans kill
Environment
- Cees – biodiversity
Cees audio – there’s only one overpopulated species
- Frank – prey overpopulation, wolf as a necessary predator wolves
- Cees – their behaviour in captivity & Frank talking about shooting a wolf that is tame – in reality in nature they’re friendly, shy
Protest (title)
Active for justice and other organisations came together to protest the closing of an ecoduct on the side of the private domain of Hoge Veluwe. (explain protest, quotes from chess). Describe imagery of the protest.
Audio of protest
It is political but also complex – police, municipality, pro mouflon women + Rik = concerns about the wolf, and distributing flyers to each other- wanting to talk bc blocked on fb.
It reflects the larger polarisation between agriculture professionals and gov measures.
CONCLUSION
Frank sentence about continued discussion.
The Netherlands is filled with Riks and Mouflon women and environmentalists etc.
But the wolf isn’t going away.
