#Leitkultur
"This term was coined to cement values such as human rights, tolerance, and the separation of church and state.
In 2005, German Parliamentary President Norbert Lammert attempted to redefine Leitkultur not in a German national context, but rather as an explicitly European idea. Lammert called for a discussion about a "guiding European idea" that draws on "common cultural roots, common history, and common traditions."
But the Leitkultur debate in Germany has another dimension that has a lot to do with the Germans themselves, and their history. The crimes of the Nazi regime, committed in Germany's name, destroyed all of the country's patriotic traditions, and the deep shock that ensued meant that it was decades before anything approximating a new sense of national pride could be created.
Only in 2006, at the time of the FIFA World Cup — hosted by Germany — could one finally see German flags waving in the streets without it prompting negative associations, and that was more than 60 years after the end of World War II. It was the beginning of a new, healthier sense of patriotism, one that did not arise from excessive exaltation.
In 2024, opposition leader Friedrich Merz used the term again, saying Christmas trees are part of Germany's "guiding culture."This loaded term pervades German migration debates — whether it refers to required learning or action is often unclear. It is enshrined in the CDU's new basic policy program in May 2024..."
"This term was coined to cement values such as human rights, tolerance, and the separation of church and state.
In 2005, German Parliamentary President Norbert Lammert attempted to redefine Leitkultur not in a German national context, but rather as an explicitly European idea. Lammert called for a discussion about a "guiding European idea" that draws on "common cultural roots, common history, and common traditions."
But the Leitkultur debate in Germany has another dimension that has a lot to do with the Germans themselves, and their history. The crimes of the Nazi regime, committed in Germany's name, destroyed all of the country's patriotic traditions, and the deep shock that ensued meant that it was decades before anything approximating a new sense of national pride could be created.
Only in 2006, at the time of the FIFA World Cup — hosted by Germany — could one finally see German flags waving in the streets without it prompting negative associations, and that was more than 60 years after the end of World War II. It was the beginning of a new, healthier sense of patriotism, one that did not arise from excessive exaltation.
In 2024, opposition leader Friedrich Merz used the term again, saying Christmas trees are part of Germany's "guiding culture."This loaded term pervades German migration debates — whether it refers to required learning or action is often unclear. It is enshrined in the CDU's new basic policy program in May 2024..."
What is German 'Leitkultur'? – DW – 05/06/2024
The term "Leitkultur" (leading or guiding culture) is being used in Germany more frequently when debating to what extent migrants should integrate into society. But it is a highly controversial concept.
https://www.dw.com/en/what-is-german-leitkultur/a-38684973
12 days ago
