What terrifies me is I can see a Trump Cabinet Secretary making a statement like Goebbels about a regime critic and using the State apparatus to harass and punish them. The veneer between civilisation and barbarism is frighteningly thin in Germany then and now even in one of the oldest democracies in the world.
Well said Katja and I won’t try to compete. It’s a trite cliche but true, walking through the camp and museum is very thought provoking. Although not a death camp like the Reinhard camps for example; cruelty and violence were designed in.
It’s very important to be reminded that even the most ‘civilised’ and ‘cultured’ societies are only a few decisions removed from barbarism. No more do than currently, when aspiring leaders talk openly about re-writing or even erasing their own countries’ history.
We must own our values, or our values will disown us. And it is ultimately down to individual agency. ‘Society’ does not have the agency or the discretion to do it for us.
Thank you,Katja. Another poignant reminder that culture, civility and cruelty have remained easy bedfellows throughout the ages. Without that balance and veneer they tend to fail. Let’s see how today’s Orwellian superpowers (1984-style) manipulate that dynamic.
Sorry to be using this link but I can’t find any other in your email. I need to inform you that I have a new email address. How di I do it?? Steve Brazier
What terrifies me is I can see a Trump Cabinet Secretary making a statement like Goebbels about a regime critic and using the State apparatus to harass and punish them. The veneer between civilisation and barbarism is frighteningly thin in Germany then and now even in one of the oldest democracies in the world.
Well said Katja and I won’t try to compete. It’s a trite cliche but true, walking through the camp and museum is very thought provoking. Although not a death camp like the Reinhard camps for example; cruelty and violence were designed in.
It’s very important to be reminded that even the most ‘civilised’ and ‘cultured’ societies are only a few decisions removed from barbarism. No more do than currently, when aspiring leaders talk openly about re-writing or even erasing their own countries’ history.
We must own our values, or our values will disown us. And it is ultimately down to individual agency. ‘Society’ does not have the agency or the discretion to do it for us.
Excellent piece as always. Always a good reminder of how culture can transition to barbarism. Still hard to grasp.
Thank you,Katja. Another poignant reminder that culture, civility and cruelty have remained easy bedfellows throughout the ages. Without that balance and veneer they tend to fail. Let’s see how today’s Orwellian superpowers (1984-style) manipulate that dynamic.
Sorry to be using this link but I can’t find any other in your email. I need to inform you that I have a new email address. How di I do it?? Steve Brazier