Peace or war? The change in social values ​​in Germany

Peace or war? The change in social values ​​in Germany

41 years ago, the charming pop singer Nicole won the stage of the Eurovision Song Contest with her song "A little peace". A song that sounded like a joke for many: "A little peace, a little dream, and that people don't cry so often." But times have turned! Ironic reactions from the punk disco band DAF, which countered with "a little war", appear almost prophetic today. Because while the slight melodies of past days have faded away, the word "peace" is more than ever viewed with skepticism.

in a world in which the plea for peace is dismissed as naive, people are split. The voices that call that we have to defend ourselves, even without attackers, are getting louder. "Heavy times" - these metaphors of suffering, which the poet Erich Fried once formulated, seem more current than ever. The reports are no less disturbing in the media. The armaments industry blooms in this fear that the country takes, and politics speaks of a "war -ready" Germany.

The mass rises for peace

On Thursday, impressive 30,000 people gathered in Berlin to demonstrate for peace. The message was clearly and clearly on the transparent: "Peace is not a swear word!" But in the midst of the calls after peace there is a risk that a "war" will be considered in some places as desirable. The past euphoria is over and the creeping, serious tone replaces the carefree melodies.

In the political discussion, the call is loud to develop a "realistic" attitude towards NATO. But what does that really mean? While young men call their weapons in the media - "If I fight, then for Europe!" - the contradiction remains: is this still the voice of reason or the desperate reality?

a struggle between hope and despair

In these difficult times, when there are no more sides of the same medal for many "peace" and "war", the question arises: How much peace do we really need? Or is it perhaps no longer about peace, but about survival in a threatening world? The demonstrations in Berlin are a lively testimony of the struggle between this hope of peace and the deeply rooted fear of war. The balancing act is getting narrower!