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We have something to learn from those who fought Nazi Germany. There's uncomfortably much that resembles it now.
🇳🇴 Norway /Culture & Society

We have something to learn from those who fought Nazi Germany. There's uncomfortably much that resembles it now.

From Aftenposten · () Norwegian

Translated from Norwegian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Analysis Named sources Context piece
  • The article argues that Norway has failed to learn from its past, becoming naive and historically unaware in the face of rising fascism.
  • It highlights recent events like racist violence in Belfast and a far-right deportation conference in Oslo as evidence of normalizing extremist ideologies.
  • The author draws parallels to the fight against Nazi Germany, urging readers to act before it's too late, emphasizing that many tried to stop fascism before but not enough acted early enough.

Fifteen years after the July 22 attacks, Norway has failed to learn from its past, succumbing to naivety and historical amnesia, according to historian and author Jonas Bals. He warns that the world is in a dangerous phase, echoing the question of why no one acted against rising fascism.

Bals points to recent events as alarming signs. Racist violence erupted in Belfast, with dark-skinned individuals targeted and their homes burned. Simultaneously, a deportation conference in Oslo brought together far-right politicians, including successors to Nazi sympathizers, to discuss the ethnic cleansing of Europe under the guise of "remigration." Similar rhetoric was seen in Bergen, where a group called "Patriot Bergen" promoted these ideas, amplified by online platforms like the network Rabulisten and publisher Legatum, known for promoting ethnic purity and mass deportations.

We have something to learn from those who fought Nazi Germany. Not because the time we live in is identical. But there is uncomfortably much that resembles it now. And therefore also much to learn.

— Jonas BalsThe author draws parallels between current events and the fight against Nazi Germany.

The normalization of these extremist ideologies, once relegated to history's dustbin, is accelerating. Bals cites a YouTube video featuring a former journalist in a podcast discussing immigration policy, where the comment section was rife with accusations of treason against democratically elected leaders. One comment threatened impeachment and execution, a sentiment that remains online, undisturbed.

Bals draws a stark parallel to the fight against Nazi Germany, not because the times are identical, but because the similarities are disturbingly present. He stresses that fascism does not require everyone to be on the streets; it thrives when inaction allows its ideas to permeate society. The author urges collective action, emphasizing that the current situation's outcome depends on the choices made today, learning from those who fought against Nazism to prevent a similar descent.

Fantastisk.

— CommenterA comment on a video showing Dutch fascists setting fire to an asylum center.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Aftenposten in Norwegian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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