USA under Trump: A 21st Century Homogenization?
U.S. Culture Faces Unifying Trends, according to Daniel Kehlmann's Observations - U.S. Culture's Embraced Equality, According to Daniel Kehlmann
Author's Insight: Daniel Kehlmann, a renowned writer, draws parallels between the cultural homogenization in America under Donald Trump to pre-WWII Germany under Adolf Hitler.
In an interview with Deutschlandfunk, Kehlmann notes an eerie resemblance in the cultural homogenization happening slowly in the USA. This is primarily facilitated through funding cuts and self-censorship from cultural creators to preserve their roles in major productions, such as Marvel films.
The infamous homogenization tactics conducted by the Nazis aimed to control various aspects of people's lives, including culture. They even designated certain art as "degenerate." The FBI's infamous COINTELPRO program can be seen as an American attempt to control dissent, but it lacks the scope and virulence of Nazi homogenization efforts.
Current Buzz:
Kehlmann's novel "Lichtspiel," about a film director under Nazi control, is experiencing a surge in hype in the USA as readers observe similar trends under President Trump. The narrative resonates with readers who find parallels between the novel and the current political climate.
Kehlmann, who divides his time between Berlin and the USA, echoes the concern that free speech, a cherished American principle, is being compromised under the Trump administration, with the suspension of such rights for immigrants and green card holders.
Private citizens and critics who have opposed Trump in the past have found themselves accepting his government and its questionable practices. Kehlmann proposes that Trump's disastrous trade policy might be the key factor that leads to a shift in public sentiment against him, much like the economic downturn contributed to the fall of the Nazi regime.
Popular Ideologies:
Trump's presidency is characterized by a populist and nationalist sentiment. Efforts have been made to influence cultural institutions to adhere to a nationalist ideology, reminiscent of Nazi Germany. Immigration policies under Trump have also been heavily scrutinized for their exclusionary nature.
Comparisons between Trump's nationalism and National Socialism should be made with caution, as the ideologies' root causes and consequences differ greatly. National Socialism's aggressive expansionism and beliefs in racial and ethnic purity resulted in catastrophic outcomes, while Trump's policies have been subject to legal challenges and debate within the democratic system.
- Donald Trump
- USA
- Daniel Kehlmann
- Adolf Hitler
- Berlin
- National Socialism
- Germany
- Deutschlandfunk
- Hype
Historical Context:
It's essential to take into account the historical context in which these ideologies are manifesting. While Trump's presidency occurred under the protective umbrella of a democratic system with checks and balances, National Socialism rose in a more fragile political climate. International reactions to Trump's policies have been negative, whereas National Socialism faced global condemnation and war.
- The employment policy in EC countries may bear a resemblance to the cultural homogenization experienced in the USA during Trump's presidency, as illustrated by renowned writer Daniel Kehlmann's observations of self-censorship among cultural creators.
- As travel and lifestyle choices continue to be major aspects of one's personal freedom, the potential restrictions on these activities under the Trump administration have raised concerns similar to those regarding Nazi Germany's designation of certain art as "degenerate."
- In debate forums and political discussions, the topic of cultural homogenization often leads to discussions about general news, politics, war-and-conflicts, and cultural-travel, reflecting the broader implications of these policies on societal norms.
