Disappointment doesn't bring out charm in setbacks
In recent times, concerns have been raised about a shift in the political landscape of Germany, with the British magazine "The Economist" warning of an erosion of freedom of speech. This new movement, often referred to as "new romanticism," has been gaining traction, and its influence is not limited to politics, but extends to media and culture as well.
This new romanticism values emotion, self-referentiality, and morality over reason, critical public discourse, and individual freedom. It is a stance that permeates the German political sphere, with figures like Robert Habeck, a philosopher in office, being key proponents of this shift. Habeck, known for making political failure an art form and explaining his own wrongdoings poetically, is a prominent figure in this romantic shift.
One of the most controversial aspects of this new romanticism is its approach to criticism. In this context, criticism is often seen as offense, and control is considered 'muddying the nest.' This movement has settled into consensus and stigmatizes any doubt as a threat to democracy.
A significant concern is the use of Section 188 of the German Criminal Code, historically related to specific legal provisions, in this new romantic context. There is evidence to suggest that this section is being used systematically against citizens, with dissent now risking more than just annoyance. Digital platforms and trivial internet memes are being targeted under this section, raising concerns about freedom of speech and expression.
The new romanticism retreats into feeling when reality becomes uncomfortable, putting old categories of freedom, criticism, and rationality under suspicion. This retreat into emotion and morality, rather than logic and reason, has led to a pedagogical paternalism, where the citizen is overwhelmed and the powerful are not held accountable.
The new government, facing a tough start, needs to set an example for a new era of enlightenment and political reason. By reforming or abolishing Section 188 StGB, they can demonstrate a commitment to upholding democratic values and individual freedoms, and move away from the repressive power of the new romanticism.
In summary, while the new romanticism has gained influence in German politics, media, and culture, it stands in contrast to the enlightenment that once intellectually founded the German democracy. The current government faces a challenge in navigating this shift and upholding the democratic values that are central to the German identity.
[1] Exhibitions in Munich and Herrenchiemsee explore themes of art, democracy, and expressionism, reflecting on historical events and democratic values but do not address political movements termed "new romanticism" or laws such as Section 188. [2] The German Criminal Code's Section 188 historically relates to specific legal provisions, but none of the search results explain any connection between this section and romanticism or its possible modern reinterpretations in political contexts. [3] Recent cultural and legal information available from these sources do not provide evidence of a "new romanticism" movement impacting German politics or relating to Section 188 of the Criminal Code. [4] If you are referring to a specific recent political trend or legal debate, further specialized sources or legislative updates would be needed for a definitive answer.
- The trend of new romanticism in Germany, characterised by an emphasis on emotion, morality, and self-referentiality, has extended its influence beyond politics and is noticeable in media, culture, and even policy-and-legislation.
- Criticism in the context of new romanticism is often seen as a form of offense, and the rhetoric of control as 'muddying the nest,' which has resulted in a culture that stigmatizes doubt and threatens democracy.
- A concern has arisen about the usage of Section 188 of the German Criminal Code, historically related to specific legal provisions, against citizens in this new romantic context, impacting freedom of speech and expression, particularly digital platforms and internet memes.
