In the now 6 month long brutal war in Gaza, itself the latest manifestation of an over 75 year conflict of peoples, the concept of ‘collective punishment’ has been hotly debated. In order to justify collective punishment one must believe in what is called ‘collective guilt.’ Being German I became acquainted with that particular idea from a young age. Having a German mother and beloved German grandparents, whom I spent every childhood holiday with in Germany, my German identity was always a fundamental part of who I am. Even though I couldn’t feel more English/British, and England will always be my home, I am also a proud German. Even more than three quarters of a century after the Second World War pride isn’t something that comes naturally or easily to many Germans. ‘Kolletivschuld‘, (‘collective guilt’), is the reason why.
Hi Romy, thanks for another thought provoking piece. The very current and obviously virtue signalling idea of "reparation" is anathema to me, and does not recognise context or history. Slavery for example wasn't the sole preserve of white western nations, as anyone who has read the story of Thomas Pellow ("White Gold") will know. It's pandering to an entitled generation of narcissists with a skewed sense of reality and what it is to be a victim.
There is an excellent political essay by eugyppius about the interplay between German national guilt and the people who suffered from the actions of a certain Austrian house painter. Whereas Romy deals with the wider point of 'right is wrong', there are common themes.
In essence Germany, France, Italy, Spain, The Netherlands and more need to wake up. These European nations created the most powerful era of change ever seen - the industrial revolution - which reached the entire world. Is the job finished? No. That's why the EU27 and UK need to wake up and fight for their place on the world stage, economically, of course.
That requires rationalisation of past wrongs, to reconcile, to forgive, to recognise and emerge stronger.
Kollektivschuld, you dropped the second k. Other than that, your article was great. I admit I had to re read it to get the whole thing, but I’ve only had one cup of coffee 🥭☕️. German family on my mother’s side: and one of our problems with the ones who are still in Germany is this embarrassment about being German.
There seems to be a modern fixation on absolute guilt, zero forgiveness and no concession that anyone accusing could ever by wrong. Indeed, the first defence for the 'wronged' is to attack.
The entire view is not compassionate or supportive.
In that sense, as an English man, I do not feel the urge to apologise for the colour of my skin, my faith, slavery or the Empire. Many of these are fact, and as long as I do not seek to impose on others, so be it. Once again, thank you.
Hi Romy, thanks for another thought provoking piece. The very current and obviously virtue signalling idea of "reparation" is anathema to me, and does not recognise context or history. Slavery for example wasn't the sole preserve of white western nations, as anyone who has read the story of Thomas Pellow ("White Gold") will know. It's pandering to an entitled generation of narcissists with a skewed sense of reality and what it is to be a victim.
A great piece, as ever.
There is an excellent political essay by eugyppius about the interplay between German national guilt and the people who suffered from the actions of a certain Austrian house painter. Whereas Romy deals with the wider point of 'right is wrong', there are common themes.
In essence Germany, France, Italy, Spain, The Netherlands and more need to wake up. These European nations created the most powerful era of change ever seen - the industrial revolution - which reached the entire world. Is the job finished? No. That's why the EU27 and UK need to wake up and fight for their place on the world stage, economically, of course.
That requires rationalisation of past wrongs, to reconcile, to forgive, to recognise and emerge stronger.
Kollektivschuld, you dropped the second k. Other than that, your article was great. I admit I had to re read it to get the whole thing, but I’ve only had one cup of coffee 🥭☕️. German family on my mother’s side: and one of our problems with the ones who are still in Germany is this embarrassment about being German.
Dear Romy, this was a fantastic article.
There seems to be a modern fixation on absolute guilt, zero forgiveness and no concession that anyone accusing could ever by wrong. Indeed, the first defence for the 'wronged' is to attack.
The entire view is not compassionate or supportive.
In that sense, as an English man, I do not feel the urge to apologise for the colour of my skin, my faith, slavery or the Empire. Many of these are fact, and as long as I do not seek to impose on others, so be it. Once again, thank you.