My month of January, marking Oberlin’s Winter Term, has been one of travel and adventure. As a student of politics and philosophy, I traveled to Berlin, Germany, between my fall and spring semesters, undoubtedly causing an immense impact on my perspective and academic absorption of material. It’s an understatement to say that American politics are under an unsavory global spotlight, and to understand this through the voices of current outside perspectives has widened my worldview.
One of my all-time favorite courses throughout my Oberlin career has undoubtedly been the sociology department’s “Comparative Fascism” with Professor Vujačič. In this course, we primarily learned about the conditions within German social and political life that sparked the 20th century growth and support of fascism. Through social unrest caused by profound change and technological shifts, many felt that their traditional values of community, family, and religion were pushed to the back burner. This is where a fascist party can swoop in with nationalism, cultural appeal, and a radical political agenda.
Americans are not very popular right now. When meeting native Germans, I felt the need to apologize, and only then could I delve into political discussion. What struck me the most were the conversations I had with a new friend, whose family is generationally embedded in the current German military forces. With two military parents, she explained to me how the German military is heavily populated with ex-East Germans, namely her own family. Additionally, she highlighted a right-wing slant in military culture reflective of the MAGA military movement in the US. From her perspective, this is for the same reasons that Germany experienced almost 100 years ago, where individuals from smaller towns/areas don’t feel seen by leftist parties, but find identity in a traditionally regimented military culture. I saw deep-seated parallels to American politics in our right-wing rise, undoubtedly a result of a large portion of the US population feeling undervalued. I was struck by the historical parallels not only between Germany and the USA, but also between East German sentiments and our extreme right wing. Though troubling, I am grateful to be having these conversations after taking a Comparative Fascism course for maximally impactful takeaways.
I feel so lucky to have the opportunity of Winter Term to travel and broaden my perspective as I navigate the rapidly changing American political climate, while properly engaging with next semester’s materials. Conversations like the ones I had this Winter Term solidify my assurance that I am taking the right classes, am learning the right things, and developing the confidence to make a difference when I graduate. Though it’s a difficult time to be alive anywhere in the world, there is nowhere I would rather be than Oberlin, where we can continue to learn and grow in safety, a globally unique privilege. Though no place is completely immune, I take joy and assurance in knowing that I have an academic community of like-minded people, open to furthering these discussions.
