Ethnic Thinking
Völkisch thinking is a term that refers to an ideology or worldview that emphasizes the importance of the people and their cultural identity, generally viewing ethnic or national characteristics as central to belonging and a sense of community within a society. Originally, the concept of "Völkisch" was shaped by ethnographic, cultural, and linguistic ideas in many European countries, particularly in Germany. Over time, however, it became increasingly instrumentalized by political movements, especially during the Nazi era, which often gives the term a negative connotation today.
Characteristics of Völkisch thinking:
Emphasis on the people as a collective unit: Völkisch thinking places great emphasis on the idea of a "national body" united by shared cultural, ethnic, and linguistic characteristics. It is assumed that a people possesses a specific identity, often understood as absolute and primordial, shaped by cultural traditions, history, and nature.
Ethnic and cultural homogeneity: In ethnic thought, a strong emphasis is often placed on the ethnic homogeneity of a nation. This means that only people who are perceived as part of this "people" belong to it. People who are perceived as "foreign" or "different" are often excluded or marginalized.
Blood and soil: Ethnic thought is often associated with the concept of "blood and soil," which played a particularly central role during National Socialism. This theory links ethnic identity with agriculture and the people's roots in the land, which is understood as a kind of "homeland." "Blood" represents ethnic origin, and "soil" symbolizes the close connection between the people and their geographical homeland.
Antiziganism and antisemitism: Historically, ethnic thought has often been associated with racist and antisemitic tendencies. The nationalist movement of the 19th century, and especially the National Socialists, used ethnic ideology as a pretext to discriminate against and exclude certain ethnic groups, such as Jews, Sinti and Roma, and other minorities. This ideology led to policies of persecution, racial segregation, and eugenics.
Romantic and idealized conceptions of people and culture: Ethnic ideology often presents a romantic and idealized conception of tradition, folk culture, and the Volksgemeinschaft (national community). In this conception, the people are seen as an original, unadulterated force that has remained unchanged over the centuries and is characterized by its authentic culture and values.
Opposition to universals: Ethnic ideology often represents an opposition to universal human rights and global solidarity. It is generally anti-globalist and rejects multicultural societies as well as the exchange and mixing of cultures. Instead, it emphasizes the purity and exclusivity of one's "own" people and their values.
Historical Development and Context:
Early 19th Century and Romanticism: The origins of völkisch thought can be found in the Romantic period and the national uprising of the early 19th century. During this period, philosophers, poets, and historians began to pay greater attention to folk culture and the identity of nations. This was particularly important in Germany, where the concept of the "Volk" served as the basis for the emergence of the modern nation and nation-state.
National Socialism: Völkisch thought reached its peak during National Socialism, where it was used by the Nazis to justify their racist and authoritarian policies. Under Adolf Hitler, the idea of the "pure" Volk became the basis of racist ideology and to justify the Holocaust and the policy of conquest during World War II. The concept of "Volk" was used as the basis for the superiority of the "Aryan race" and the oppression of other peoples and cultures.
After World War II: After World War II, ethnic thought was largely discredited because it was closely linked to the inhumane ideologies of National Socialism. In many parts of the world, especially in Europe, the term ethnic is now tainted with nationalism, racism, and xenophobia. Nevertheless, there are still movements that represent elements of ethnic thought, often in a disguised form.
Criticism of ethnic thought:
Racism and discrimination: Ethnic thought is often associated with racism, xenophobia, and anti-Semitism. It leads to the idea that only certain ethnic groups are "rightfully" entitled to a belonging to a nation or people, which leads to discrimination or exclusion of minorities, migrants, or other non-ethnic groups.
Exclusivity and intolerance: Another problem with ethnic thinking is its exclusivity and the promotion of intolerance toward other cultures, ethnicities, and religions. Ethnic thinking can lead to a dangerous "us versus them" mentality that can exacerbate conflict and social divisions.
Glorification of the past: Ethnic thinking tends to romanticize and idealize a people's past, often leading to a distorted perception of history. It evokes the good old days when the people supposedly lived in purity and harmony, ignoring historical complexity and diversity.
Summary:
Völkisch thinking emphasizes the ethnic and cultural identity of a people and presents the coherence and homogeneity of the people as the basis for social belonging. This thinking has historically been associated with nationalism, racism, and the exclusion of minorities. Particularly in the 20th century, and especially during the Nazi era, it was used to justify discrimination and violence. Today, völkisch thinking is generally heavily criticized because it often leads to intolerance and xenophobia.