Symbol of Reconciliation and Far-Right Stronghold?: PEGIDA, AfD, and Memory Culture in Dresden. Issue 1 (1st March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vees-Gulani, Susanne
• Is Part Of: German politics and society. Volume 39:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 56
• Page End: 78
• Publication Date: 2021-03-01
• Subjects: AfD -- Allied bombings -- Dresden -- East Germany -- far right -- memory -- PEGIDA -- reunification; Germany -- Civilization -- Periodicals; Germany -- Politics and government -- 1945-1990 -- Periodicals; Germany -- Politics and government -- 1990- -- Periodicals; 943.005
• DOI: 10.3167/gps.2021.390104
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1558-5441

Abstract

Abstract: In the eastern German city of Dresden, populist and nativist far-right groups, such as the homegrown pegida and the AfD, enjoy particularly robust support among the population, even though Dresden is presented as a symbol of peace and reconciliation. Many residents base their personal and social identity on Dresden's long-established narrative as an iconic baroque city that suffered an unparalleled loss and victimization in the 1945 Allied bombings, prior to its post-reunification revival. However, this narrative includes a blind spot about the Nazi context of the destruction, opening it up to various political appropriations from the gdr era to today. I suggest that the strength of the far right in Dresden is caused by a seamless linking of Dresden's perception as a victim due to cultural losses and the far right's fear of losing a unique German identity and homeland. As examples, I analyze discourse patterns of remembrance during the bombing anniversaries in 2015 and 2020.