German President Warns Declining Reading Skills Fuel Extremism and Historical Ignorance
President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has expressed worry over declining reading fluency among children, fearing it impedes their understanding of history and resistance to populist ideologies. He believes this lack of education and moral guidance contributes to the rise of extremist parties like the AfD.
Steinmeier is particularly concerned about students who disrespectfully behave at concentration camp memorials, provoking with far-right symbols and slogans. He believes this is a result of a lack of historical understanding and empathy, which reading can foster.
Reading, he argues, amplifies empathy and respect, qualities that can be learned independently but are crucial for a well-rounded individual. Steinmeier points to the past, such as the Nazi era, where the NSDAP manipulated history and collective memory, leading to tragic consequences. Today, right-wing populist parties like the AfD are accused of similar historical distortions.
Steinmeier's call for improved reading fluency and historical understanding is a response to the rise of extremism. He believes that by fostering these qualities, we can create a more informed and empathetic society, better equipped to resist populist agendas.
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