Culture of remembrance in Germany: A dangerous turning point?

Culture of remembrance in Germany: A dangerous turning point?

The culture of remembrance in Germany is currently in the firing line. A current study by the EVZ foundation project shows how the population's view of the Nazi past is changing. The questions associated with this have a wide impact and touch upon German identity; in fact, they touch on the heart of one of the central themes of the post-war period: coming to terms with the past.

In recent weeks, numerous discussions have broken out about the moral challenges facing Germany. [Freitag] reports that people in Germany are increasingly of the opinion that they can draw a kind of “end” to the Nazi crimes. Around 38.1 percent of those surveyed in the memo study agree with this statement, although this tendency is particularly noticeable among middle-aged people and AfD voters. A worrying sign that coming to terms with one's own history is no longer considered necessary by everyone.

The role of the Holocaust in German identity

In the discussion about guilt and responsibility, the Holocaust remains a central element of German identity. As [EVZ Foundation] emphasizes, dealing with this dark time is an essential part of state legitimacy and is taught in schools and public memorial events. But it is precisely the discourse about this that is increasingly perceived as problematic. There are voices that criticize the German culture of remembrance as selective and call for a broader perspective that also includes other historical injustices - such as Germany's colonial past.

The fact that the memory of the crimes of the National Socialists is now perceived as stressful by a broad population is also reflected in the study. 43.6 percent of those surveyed said they would rather focus on current problems than continue to deal with the past. This attitude is reflected in the feeling that the crimes against the Jews “continue to be held against the Germans.”

The challenges of the present

The assessment of the current political climate strikes a particularly serious tone: Veronika Hager from the EVZ describes the results of the study as a “tipping point in the culture of remembrance”. The danger that National Socialism is viewed as a mere historical era with no connection to the present has fundamental relevance. Against this background, there is also a noticeable concern that critical voices within the Jewish community that are pushing for support for humanitarian aid are losing visibility.

This discussion raises the question: How should Germany deal with its responsibility? While Germany supplies Israel with weapons that are used in the conflict against civilians in Gaza, the expectation of humanitarian aid is difficult to reconcile with the culture of remembrance. The picture of a memory that encompasses many realities of life too often remains incomplete.

At a time when coming to terms with one's own history is perceived as stressful for many, it is important to establish a culture of remembrance that not only helps to come to terms with the past, but also promotes a feeling of justice in the present. Such a process requires constant reflection and open discussion.

In summary, it remains to be said that the German culture of remembrance is in a continuous process of change. It is essential that it not only encompasses the history of the Holocaust, but also provides space for contradiction and diversity within one's own national narrative. This is the only way to transform pride in the belated confrontation with history into a differentiated and acceptable part of German identity.