Patriotism in Germany

Thesis statement

The collective German guilt following World War II and its repercussions, as described in three works by Günter Grass, make open displays of patriotism in postwar Germany highly problematic. However, the open displays of national pride accompanying Germany’s hosting of the 2006 soccer World Cup, make patriotic displays more culturally palatable.

Why Günter Grass?

- Grass participated in WWII-The reoccurring theme of his works is the German guilt that resulted from the war- He paints a vivid picture of life as a soldier, prisoner of war, and civilian during and after the war- Grass understands how important it is to remember is very outspoken about his experiences, even though he remained silent about his former involvement for a long time

Patriotism

Patriotism in Germany

• The war resulted in a lack of pride and trust of Germans in their country

• Especially military pride is still a tough topic for many (German military has issues recruiting enough men and women for military service)

• Splitting of former “German Reich” into the “Federal Republic of Germany” (West) and the “German Democratic Republic” (East) was not conductive for patriotism

Soccer

For Germans, soccer was always a special sport: many participate in clubs, are fans of clubs, celebrate this particular feeling of belonging to something and togetherness

Important dates in soccer

• “Das Wunder von Bern” (the miracle of Bern): Germany wins the soccer world cup in 1954

• Soccer world cup 2006 hosted in Germany

Deutschland: Ein Sommermärchen (2006)Now it is okay and encouraged to display the

German flag

Incline of Patriotism

• Pride in national team leads to overall incline of pride in country

• Public viewing increases sense of togetherness as one nation

• Common goal for all

Flipside

- critics see an increase of “showing flag” as dangerous (reminder of Nazi Germany)- violence and intolerance against fans of other teams

Landauer – The President

• Documentary film about the German Jew Kurt Landauer

• President of FCB (Fußball Club Bayern München) before he is brought to concentration camp Dachau

• Returns to Munich after the war with plans to emigrate to America

• Can’t leave “his club” and is compelled to help revive the FCB

Landauer: “Soccer is a reflection of society”