zeit.de
Saxony-Anhalt Foundations Condemn AfD's '#Germanthinking' Campaign
Multiple foundations in Saxony-Anhalt criticized the AfD's plan to introduce a 'Pride Pass' for discounts at historical sites as part of a campaign replacing the state's '#modernthinking' slogan with '#Germanthinking', raising concerns about historical revisionism and the party's right-wing extremist classification.
- How does the AfD's proposed budget cuts to memorial site visits relate to their broader campaign strategy and historical interpretation?
- The AfD's proposed '#Germanthinking' campaign, including a 'Pride Pass' for discounts at historical sites, is seen by the foundations as a worrying attempt to rewrite and control the narrative of German history, potentially minimizing or ignoring the country's dark past. The foundations highlight the planned elimination of funding for memorial site visits, further fueling their concerns.
- What is the primary concern raised by Saxony-Anhalt's cultural foundations regarding the AfD's proposed '#Germanthinking' campaign and its associated 'Pride Pass'?
- Several foundations in Saxony-Anhalt accuse the AfD of misappropriating German history for an 'identitarian culture war'. They criticize the AfD's proposal to introduce a 'Pride Pass' as part of a campaign to replace the state's '#modernthinking' slogan with '#Germanthinking'. This 'Pride Pass' would offer discounts at historical sites.
- What are the potential long-term societal implications of the AfD's attempts to redefine and control the narrative of German history, considering their recent classification as a secured right-wing extremist party?
- The AfD's actions reflect a broader pattern of attempts to manipulate historical narratives for political gain. This strategy, coupled with the AfD's classification by the domestic intelligence agency as a secured right-wing extremist party, raises serious concerns about the potential for historical revisionism and the normalization of extremist ideologies within German society. The planned campaign's slogan, reminiscent of Hitler's 1938 speech, is particularly alarming.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and introductory paragraphs immediately frame the AfD negatively by highlighting the criticism they received. This sets a critical tone and might predispose readers to view the AfD's actions unfavorably. The article emphasizes the negative consequences of the AfD's proposals, such as the potential removal of funding for memorial sites, further reinforcing a negative portrayal.
Language Bias
The article uses strong, loaded language such as "identitären Kulturkampf" (identity-based cultural struggle) and describes the AfD's actions as "vereinnahmen" (appropriation) and their slogan as reminiscent of Hitler's rhetoric. These are loaded terms with strong negative connotations. While factually reporting criticism, the choice of words strongly influences the reader's perception. More neutral alternatives could include phrases like "controversial campaign", "rebranding proposal", or "historical interpretation debate".
Bias by Omission
The article focuses on the AfD's actions and the criticism they received, but it omits potential counterarguments or perspectives from the AfD. It doesn't present the AfD's justifications for their proposed "Stolz-Pass" or their reasoning behind wanting to replace the state's advertising campaign. This omission might lead to a one-sided understanding of the situation.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a clear dichotomy between the AfD's actions and the criticisms leveled by various foundations. It doesn't explore any potential middle ground or nuanced interpretations of the AfD's intentions. This framing might oversimplify a complex issue and prevent readers from considering alternative viewpoints.
Sustainable Development Goals
The AfD's actions, including attempts to rewrite German history and promote a nationalistic agenda, undermine efforts to foster peace, justice, and strong institutions. The party's classification as right-wing extremist by the domestic intelligence agency further emphasizes this negative impact on SDG 16. The proposed changes to historical site promotion and the suggested replacement of the state's advertising campaign with a nationalistic slogan ("#deutschdenken") directly contradict the principles of inclusive and respectful societies.