What is that? The colors are nice, warm and bright. Is it a detail of a flower? No, too spongy to be a flower. What is that? Red and yellow. Hm? An Urchin? A Sea anemone? Yes it’s a Sea anemone. Now, why would a book titled, “Bonn to the Berlin Republic”, choose a sea creature for the cover art?
It didn’t. The cover art is an image of the World Cup Soccer with a large number of Germans holding flags. Young Germans gathered together smiling and waving flags. (I saw a sea anemone)
I share with you my unique perception of the cover art just prior to Dr. Jeffrey Anderson’s lecture on the evolution of the New Berlin Republic, for a couple of reasons. I felt compelled to share my self fascination, and it fit well in my efforts to exemplify diversity of perception. We all approach information differently and much of our thinking has evolved from our history of experiences. This illusion or obscure synthesis of shape color and light that fabricated a photograph of a jellyfish is metaphoric to Germany’s post world war II development. What is the world’s perception on this nation? How do Americans see Germany’s progress and what do you think?
Everything is relative to our experience and it seems governments like people make decisions and conduct themselves based on this fact. Germany has a history of racism, genocide, mass murder, ethnic hatred, ethnic cleansing, anti-Semitism and group hatred. The Germans historically are viewed as the elite of violence, fear and oppression. The history of the Third Reich represents the horrendous capabilities of the forces of evil on humanity.
Seeking Redemption from the epitome of leadership has been a progression that required humility, earnestness, and determination to change and revitalize. Revitalization required implementation of a new plan with a strong interest in human rights and a steadfast determination to operate within a just system of government.
The forty year transition from a violent heritage to an internationally cooperative nation has been an interesting evolution. Some would say that Germany is currently making decisions based on the higher good for its people and that its process of change reflects a transition that we can only hope to be contagious.
Some perceive the Federal Republic of Germany and the “basic law” structure in combination with the Federal Constitutional court and multiparty system as the most progressive democratic system. The forty years of democracy has moved Germany into a country with strong international relations, commitment to domestic well being and a culturally diffused economic system.
German is proud of its remembrance and education of the Holocaust as a force against anti-Semitism as demonstrated in curriculum, museums and memorials.
Although these efforts symbolize German’s willingness to recognize a past of extreme government brutality and terrorism in order to prevent future inhumanity, the country is not without racism. It has been argued that any current anti-Semitism effort proposals on the political agenda are nonsense and more efforts should be placed on celebration of the Jewish culture in hopes to lead people to love their neighbors.
As the historian Julius Schöps of Potsdam University put it in the newspaper Tageszeitung:
Protests against anti-Semitism, organized by small groups, do not get extensive attention in Germany. Resolutions by the German parliament to reject anti-Semitism are drivel of the worst kind....But all those ineffective actions are presented to the world as a strong defense against the charge of anti-Semitism. The truth is: no one is really interested in these matters. No one really cares.
Julius Schöps, "Antisemitismus ist Teil dieser Kultur," Taz, 25 October 2002. See http://www.berlin-judentum.de/bildung/antisemitismusforschung.htm (German).
How could this be true? Is it? Germany’s recent call to public art was closed undecided. Thousands of applicants were turned down. This is significant in that it demonstrates the level to which Germany reflects on what they value. A public art piece will represent the German image. Who is Germany? It would seem they are still in transition to whom and what they are becoming.
Why did Germany choose not to become involved with the no fly zone over Libya? Has Germany always had the intent to allow its troops to take part in humanitarian aid to Libyan civilians?
I don’t know. But I do know they shut down their nuclear power plants the day after the tragedy at Fukushima. For this I wave a flag.
Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your informative post on a country about which I rarely think in terms of its present state. I admit that I am guilty of viewing Germany through a judgmental lense, seeing it as the country it was during World War II. Of course it is not the same country it once was, with an Anti-Semetic Despot causing mass genocide. I am glad you brought to light the fact that Germany has changed and is still in the process of changing. Reading your post has encouraged me to research the current state of Germany with an open mind.
As a Jew, I am hesistant but eager always to learn more about Germany. Afterall, there is a very strong thriving Jewish community there today. And yes, the Democracy is a good one, so it seems. But, truthfully, I cannot wrap my mind around such hatred and conformity and ignorance that once was.
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