For those that know my political views, you know my stance on the German Empire. I want to give a brief summary for those that do not. Personally, I like using symbols from the German Empire, mainly to honor it in what it did good for us Germans. And that is a lot. The unification of the German states is the primary reason why it is right to honour the Empire. However, it is also essential to be aware of its flaws and mistakes, the biggest being the genocide against the Herero, the Colonization, and the increased paranoia that led to WW1. Still, it is essential to focus on the positive aspects of my Country, which is why I like to embed the Empire in the art I commission. It is part of our nation, and it is right to display it because of what was achieved during its time.
However, the recent developments in German politics have brought me to a point where I can no longer see myself using the Empire as a symbol of good. The right-wing scene in Germany has gained more influence and become ever more popular in the past six months. It is very worrying seeing, no, witnessing history repeat itself right here in the heart of Europe. Because of the German right using not just Hitler-like rhetoric again but also making the problematic politics of the Empire socially acceptable, I am at a turning point.
I no longer see myself able to keep up my belief in the Empire and what it did right. I see my Country fall for yet again the same destructive path it chose to walk on years ago. I see my people blindly believing in what the world after will see as the primary factor that destroyed Europe. But I do not see the stars anymore.
"What we learn from history is that no one learns from history." - Otto von Bismarck, 1st Chancellor of the German Empire.
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