Ugly Face of Defeat
In recent discussions, a term called the "new romanticism" in German politics has been brought up, raising concerns about its potential impact on democracy. However, it's essential to clarify that there is no widely recognized political movement by this name currently shaping German politics. The term "new romanticism" historically refers to cultural or artistic movements rather than political trends.
Despite the lack of a defined political movement, it seems that certain ideologies are gaining traction, characterized by a preference for feelings over logic, failure over progress, and a suspicion towards criticism and rationality. These ideologies are evident in various sectors, including politics, media, and culture, and are seen as standing in opposition to reason, critical public discourse, and individual freedom.
One of the key figures associated with these ideologies is Robert Habeck, a prominent figure in German politics. Habeck has been known for elevating political failure to an art form and making self-doubt a virtue. His ideology, however, appears to have waned during his tenure.
Another point of contention is the use of Section 188 of the German Criminal Code (Strafgesetzbuch, StGB) in dealing with dissent. It's important to note that the current StGB does not contain a Section 188 that is widely discussed or controversial in the political landscape. Section numbers and their content are subject to amendments, but no notable recent controversies about Section 188 have been prominent in major German political debates or legal reforms.
Critics argue that dissent in Germany risks more than just annoyance, and Section 188 is used to systematically pursue citizens with the help of digital platforms and over banal internet memes. However, without clear evidence and a defined political movement, it's challenging to draw definitive conclusions about the impact on democracy.
Interestingly, many media outlets in Germany no longer see themselves as the fourth estate but as guardians of democracy, and thus companions to morally charged politics. This shift in perspective could potentially influence the way dissent is perceived and handled in the political landscape.
In conclusion, while the concept of the "new romanticism" in German politics might not be a widely recognized political movement, the ideologies it represents seem to be gaining traction. The impact on democracy of these ideologies would require clear definition and evidence, which is currently absent from mainstream 2025 German political reporting. Further research and a more focused analysis are needed to understand the implications of these ideologies on the democratic process in Germany.
The ideologies associated with the imaginary "new romanticism" in German politics, marked by a preference for feelings over logic, are also noticeable in sectors such as education-and-self-development, manifesting an approach that prioritizes sentimentalism over rational learning.
Despite the recent rise in lifestyle journalism emphasizing emotional expressiveness, there is a lack of significant discourse on the role of rhetoric in influencing general-news reporting or shaping public opinion, which could potentially undermine the foundation of democratic discourse.
