"The sorrow of Belgium", by Erik Pevernagie, oil on canvas, 100 x 80 cm

The individuation or the differentiation of social and ethnic groups in society can become predominant in some countries. As a result of the loss of identity and lack of freedom of action, some entities proclaim themselves distinct from other social groups, separate, autonomous, or independent with their own projects and political ideas.

Everyone may agree upon the diagnosis, but not everyone may consent to the therapy. Indeed, for healing, things have to be sacrificed, at times, and separation or loss might always be heartbreak and leave scars of remorse or regret.

Along with the other European countries, Great Britain, Spain, or Italy, the tiny little country Belgium, squashed between France and Germany, has been confronted with a diagnostic treatment.

Ethnic groups that undergo tiresome sociological diagnoses have often been waiting in vain for therapeutic solutions to their problems. They suffer from the bleak sundown syndrome, believing that the sun, for them, is going down forever. Feeling the rug is being pulled from under their feet, more radical answers sometimes attract their attention.

Phenomenon: Individuation or social differentiation.