Berlin museum breaks Nazi taboo with Hitler exhibition

[Warden]

The first big exhibition in Germany to focus on Adolf Hitler and his relationship with the German people is opening in Berlin.

It is the first time relics of the Nazi era have ever been displayed as a museum piece in the country.

Fears that such an exhibition might attract neo-Nazi sympathisers have put off museums until now.

Museum director Hans Ottomeyer explains why he thought the time was right to produce the display.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11547359

 

[Blackjack]

Interesting....history is history, and Hitler is a big spot on their history. I still don't quite understand the fear connected with him today. Neo-nazis are not a group that is going to rise to power anywhere. Is anyone "afraid" of a Japanese ruler attacking us again? Of course not, Hitler is just another of many monsters in history that is long gone. The German people should show as much as they have on him so people learn and won't make the same mistakes again.

 

[Edward]

Fascinating link. I'd love to see that exhibition.

 

[benjamin.f]

Hello everybody,
I am in germany... since . hmm.. let me count... 17 years

oh yes, there are some problems for germany and their "Führer"... What do other nations think about Deutschland when there is an exhibition about a guy who was their HERO 65 Years ago?!?
Yes it is (bad) history and history should be teached, but a lot germans are still living with this nazi problem ...

say something wrong about religion, about conditions of entry for foreigner and be sure a german will be called NAZI

But back to the Threat: if you visit germany to see this exhibition, try to visit NÜRNBERG ! this hole beautiful city is a museum... with the real REICHSPARTEITAG...
I'm travelling a lot in germany and france to visit historical places from the ww2 and i can tell about some nice places but im very interested to see this event in berlin.
(excuse my bad english)
b.

 

[Pompidou]

The best way to avoid history repeating itself is to recognize it, embrace it, saying, "this is our history, good or bad" without hiding from it. I like the idea of this exhibit. The US is finally getting around to doing similar - offering long hidden racist war propaganda films from Loony Toons and such. A lot of people world wide seem to believe that if they can't see their history, maybe it didn't happen. This is, of course, ludicrous. History isn't a feel-good Hollywood movie.

 

[FRASER_NASH]

The sad thing is that we tend not to learn from history and continue to repeat mistakes (Afghanistan). But that shouldn't stop us from bringing all our skeletons out of the cupboard and "try" to stop repeating our mistakes. This exhibit is long due.

 

[HepKitty]

WWII is a big embarrassment for Germans. Not that it should be, since most of those at fault are dead or dying. I agree that it's important to remember history even in all its ugliness so that it not be repeated. As a German major and as a year-long guest of Germany several years ago, I would love to see that exhibit. Thanks for sharing link

 

[Kiri]

That sounds really interesting. I'm not sure if I'd want to see it for myself at this point though, being Jewish, I think it would feel terribly weird to be in a museum all about Hitler. Perhaps at some point though.
Not that I have anything against Germans, my best friend is German. It would just be unsettling.

 

[Aristaeus]

The sad thing is that we tend not to learn from history and continue to repeat mistakes (Afghanistan). But that shouldn't stop us from bringing all our skeletons out of the cupboard and "try" to stop repeating our mistakes. This exhibit is long due.

What does this have to do with Afghanistan?

 

[Aristaeus]

The best way to avoid history repeating itself is to recognize it, embrace it, saying, "this is our history, good or bad" without hiding from it. I like the idea of this exhibit. The US is finally getting around to doing similar - offering long hidden racist war propaganda films from Loony Toons and such. A lot of people world wide seem to believe that if they can't see their history, maybe it didn't happen. This is, of course, ludicrous. History isn't a feel-good Hollywood movie.

Your compairing WWII U.S. Propaganda films to what Hitler did?
This is the second time you have equated the U.S. with Nazi Germany.

 

[Pompidou]

You should read more and reply less, Aristaeus. I was comparing Germans hiding from their past with Americans hiding from theirs. Japan does it too. China makes it policy. Really now.

 

[HoundstoothLuke]

Your compairing WWII U.S. Propaganda films to what Hitler did?
This is the second time you have equated the U.S. with Nazi Germany.

Comparing them doesn't mean they are equal. The intent behind the words was that every nation has black marks and atrocities in its history, and that the only way to avoid them is for them to be known.


Although perhaps some cartoons weren't the best example!

 

[Pompidou]

Comparing them doesn't mean they are equal. The intent behind the words was that every nation has black marks and atrocities in its history, and that the only way to avoid them is for them to be known.


Although perhaps some cartoons weren't the best example!

Maybe not, but it's a fairly new development with a fairly recent thread on the forums - check it out. I love old cartoons. Happened to be the first thing to come to mind.

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?51365-The-quot-Censored-11-quot-Cartoons-Coming-to-DVD

 

[benjamin.f]

sorry when I interrupt your discusion

HoundstoothLuke ...imo no comparison is possible because they are so different (but it makes me think about it)
I am not that guy who talks about political situations and the differences between now and then (afghanistan...) ...in this special threat.
There is always a scandalous exhibit...
I remember that story about Van Hagen and his BODYWORLDS

my question: is Germany, specialy Berlin the right place. Are they in the position to show a clear and objective exhibition?
And what's YOUR picture that's already in your mind when you decide to go to this museum?

b

 

[StetsonHomburg]

Really interesting, although my area of studys is with the wehrmacht not the political side,
I'd love to learn a bit more about it! I wonder if what happened two years back at the Berlin
wax museaum will happen again?

 

[scottyrocks]

I'd say the museum is a good idea, despite my background and having a former uncle with numbers tattooed on his arm. I dont think I would visit the place, but exposing history for what it is, good or bad, is a good idea.

I think I have to take into account the 'feelings' of the host country. If their attitude was pride, then I think many more of us, or at least I, would have a problem with this museum. I dont think think theres a whole lot of naked pride here, though. Its more of a perhaps begrudging acknowledgment.

 

[FRASER_NASH]

What does this have to do with Afghanistan?

Just interpret in "the context" it was intended my friend regarding facing history, facing unto it and learning from that (If interested, read up on the British Army Campaigns in Afghanistan and NW Frontier - yep! Brits have already done Afghanistan as Kipling has recorded). Good interesting thread.

 

[HepKitty]

I'd say the museum is a good idea, despite my background and having a former uncle with numbers tattooed on his arm. I dont think I would visit the place, but exposing history for what it is, good or bad, is a good idea.

I think I have to take into account the 'feelings' of the host country. If their attitude was pride, then I think many more of us, or at least I, would have a problem with this museum. I dont think think theres a whole lot of naked pride here, though. Its more of a perhaps begrudging acknowledgment.

The majority of Germans are not proud of it by any means. I think the director has it right though, to put history in context, and for Germany to be able to accept it and move on. Like I said, most Germans alive today were not responsible for what happened. Where a sense of sympathy would be in order, for this and any other atrocity really (as decent human beings anywhere should), a sense of responsibility for others' actions isn't. We were coached on mentioning WWII before leaving DC for Frankfurt, don't bring it up but if others do, tread lightly. What few times my German friends did bring up WWII they were very quick to point out that they were horrified at what was done by Hitler and his entourage.

Yes this could cause a lot of trouble but I doubt that's the intent. I hope that people can behave themselves.

 

[Spitfire]

Firstly: Give yourself a break, Aristaeus. The only one stirring the pot is you!

Secondly: I find it only natural that the Germans - finally - can see this and come to terms with what happende back then. Normally they would have to go abroad to see things like this.
The first that jumps to my mind is "The Museum of Peace" in Caen. It has a very intersting exebition on how Hitler and the nazis came to power in the 20s and the 30s.
And I am willing to bet that there are museums in every European country, where you - and Germans - can experience something like that - so why not in Germany?
They should have had a long time ago.

 

[marcoshark]

My 2 cents...

Two years ago, My Mother (who was born in Berlin) and I went to Germany. MY Mom had to go back to make sure that her Grandparents gave site was still being maintained in the Jewish Cemetery in Berlin. This was the first time she has been back since 1936, when she left with my Grandparents. We also visited the little town North of Frankfurt where my Grandfather came from, Korbach.

I did not know what to expect.. Enlightenment?, or one big "Springtime for Hitler". What did happen was a punch right in the gut!

There are grim reminders of what happened. And it's all over the place!

The town Historian in Korbach, who wrote a published history on how National Socialism effected that area and the after effect. There is also a History book that celebrates the Jews that did live there and it honors their memory! All that is left is the Jewish Cemetery, that is kept up as a memorial. The Town Historian, who is a High School History and Philosophy teacher makes sure that her students help maintain that.

All over Berlin, there are reminders.. The Empty Square with the Empty Room with empty Bookshelves that reminds us of "kristallnacht", across from Humbolt University. Or the homes of Families who were killed by the holocaust have plaques. Speaking of the holocaust, there is a memorial which is something you will not forget. The one thing that really struck home, was the Jewish Cemetery. It is the largest in Europe and is a memorial and still in use. Walking it with my Mom, was like walking through history. The fact that it survived the war, is amazing in that also the Nazis hung people from trees there as well.

The point of this is that the way I see it, Germany is now able to look at what happened and realizes that this cannot ever happen again. I think it's a gutsy move on the Museums part. Now one thing I did notice, there are Police stationed at The Neue Synagoge in Berlin as well as The Jewish Museum in Frankfurt. I was also asked to see ID before I was allowed to enter. So, things are still a bit of a hot bed.