I’ve always been told that Hitler was a masterful public speaker; that his support can largely be explained by his compelling, if not mesmerizing hold on crowds. This narrative is not common, it’s universal.
Sometimes I think this is emphasized over how much the crowds approved of the content of his speech.
How do native German speakers feel when they view footage of Hitler? Do you think the reputation is earned?
I fully agree. So much sadness, seeing the uninformed, doing the same mistakes we warn for every day. It’s depressing, because even if you try to look at the brighter side and at the larger part of people who are kind and anti fascism. To know that group dynamics could destroy all of this in a year. Humans are capable of the worst, even when they believe in acting in good faith. Truth is, we humans are too easily manipulated and fear of isolation when standing up to the crowd makes people cowards. What is “good” is sadly just a matter of perspective and not even a question about quantity. When times get dire, the people will follow the easy solution.
I want to believe we have gotten better and “wehrhafte Demokratie” is not just a throwaway slogan. In sum, “only” about 25% are voting populist, be it put of protest, spite, for your own benefit ot out of crooked conviction. That means 75% are still somewhat reasonable and I want to see this as a positive thing.