Is Germany Still a Nation on Probation? Patriotism vs. Nationalism in 21st Century Germany

Abstract

In the wake of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the international media were raving about the progress made by the host country Germany in its attitude toward national pride. Journalists emphasized that, although the specter of Nazism is still haunting the German people's minds, more than 60 years of democracy are more than enough reason for pride in Germany and its accomplishments. This paper analyzes the extent to which a generational shift, coupled with elements in contemporary German popular culture ( such as music, film and soccer) are reshaping Germans' attitude toward patriotism.