Are Young People in Germany Endangered by Extreme Nationalism? Between Myth and Reality

Abstract

The united Germany is struggling against numerous unexpected problems, or ones whose future scale was underestimated. Apart from the economic crisis in the “new” lands, the mass unemployment, the increase in delinquency, the deepening mutual antipathy between the inhabitants of the two parts of Germany, the society was confronted with a sudden increase in popularity of extreme nationalist ideas, as well as with escalation of violence directed against foreigners. In the years 1992-1997 the number of this kind of offences ranged between 1460 and 2500 cases a year. The offences were most often committed by young people.

A considerable part of young people in Germany shows support for extreme nationalist ideas. The demands that foreigners should leave Germany and vacate the jobs and flats they occupy are especially popular. A much smaller part of the young generation sees good sides of National Socialism or presents revisionist views on the question of the borders. Taking into consideration social-demographic features, an average young nationalist is a man training for a job, with rightist political views, not religious, in a fairly good financial situation, whose parents do not have a higher education.

Where should one look for explanation of the increase in attractiveness of extreme nationalist ideas among young people? The thesis saying that the German nation has inborn fascist inclinations cannot be in any way defended. Explaining this phenomenon with the negative effects of unification of Germany, and especially with a crisis of identity, has a justification, but is not quite convincing with respect to the West German young people. As it seems, the solution should be looked for in the features of modern societies. Growing social-cultural pluralism and deep individualisation help a society of choice come into being. In this society a man is doomed to responsibility not only for his behaviour, but also for the choice of criteria of this behaviour; the choice must be made from many axiological systems that have equal rights. The role of “the judge of choice” that an individual has taken away from tradition, religion, science or personal authorities, however, for a post-modernist man often becomes a weight rather than a privilege and frustration and a crisis of the meaning of life is his everyday “companion”.

Hence, those offers become attractive that in a simple and fairly comprehensive way describe the surrounding reality and set the criteria for everyday choices. One of these offers is extreme nationalism that not only presents a simple division of the world into two halves, but also forms a clear hierarchy of values. It gives clear and simple answers to those who have lost their bearings, makes life sensible to such an extent that it brings relief and gives meaning to their everyday existence. Young people constitute a group that most eagerly needs and looks for offers of meaning of life. This is why they are so open to the influence of extreme nationalism that, at least for a short time, is able to give as ense of restoring axiological order in a young man' life.