Jennifer Yoder’s lecture about Angela Merkel’s use of memory politics gave a good example of how big of a role collective memory plays in our society and every day lives. Collective memory is defined in the New Oxford American Dictionary as “the memory of a group of people, passed from one generation to the next.” In the world, so many different nations have this notion. Rarely is collective memory used as a tool for politicians to further their agenda, and that is exactly what Merkel has done during her fourteen year chancellorship. As Yoder discussed, Merkel has used memory politics to propel Germany and much of Europe into a new age of humanitarianism. In her speeches, Merkel invokes themes of making amends, and ensuring that a tragedy like the Holocaust and World War II doesn’t happen again. Yoder mentioned that Merkel involved history and the past in two thirds of her speeches. Such heavy use of memory and history is rarely used in political addresses. Merkel uses active remembrance as a call to action for germans. She uses the past to influence the present and future.
Merkel’s philosophy is to confront past wrongdoings and work to make it right. In this case, she uses memory politics to convey the importance of humanitarianism. She consistently promotes tolerance, and led the charge for opening doors to refugees, acting without the support of the rest of the European Union.
One student mentioned how her use of memory politics could be perceived as anti-German due to her condemning Germany’s previous actions during World War II. In my opinion, there is definitely a way to be have remorse and nationalism. Too much pride can cloud one’s perception of themselves. This hubris can prevent positive change. This is why I think it is beneficial that Merkel is so open and repentant of the Holocaust and the past mistakes Germany has made. Through this, she is also in some ways promoting nationalism. She is adamant that East and West Germany stay united. She is promoting solidarity, not nationalism. According to Yoder, Merkel mentions the fall of the Berlin Wall in twenty one different speeches. Here, Merkel is using memory politics in a new way. She is using the memory of the Cold War and the Berlin Wall to create a singular nation.
In my opinion, memory politics is a powerful tool to further an idea. The United States has not addressed the wrongdoings during the time of slavery, and, as a result, confederate flags are still flying in many southern cities. By suppressing the era of slavery, we are creating a country which is not able to fully move forward from that period of time. This is a part of the reason why the remnants of Jim Crowe are still present in our country today.
Angela Merkel said “respect for our common humanity is rooted in our responsibility for the past.” This quote really sums up her use of memory politics. She consistently embraces the uncomfortable to propel her country into a new, and brighter era.