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I would like to add some observations and thoughts about the mass protests in Germany:

The mass protests have a specific reason: the secret meeting of AfD (i.e. Alternative für Deutschland) members with fascists/racists who are campaigning for the deportation of German citizens with foreign roots.
06:39 PM - Jan 21, 2024
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This circumstance alone would not have led to mass protests, but rather was the straw that broke the camel's back.
For a long time, there was resentment and unease in large parts of society about the growing influence of fascist narratives and their looming threat to society.
06:39 PM - Jan 21, 2024
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However, as these things worsened gradually, people could not take the “so far and no further” attitude as the goalposts seemed to be moving. Mind you, the frog and the boiling water. But this secret meeting served as a catalyst. It was now possible to agree that a threshold had been crossed.
06:39 PM - Jan 21, 2024
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It is not a left wing protest, it´s rather the so-called middle of society which took to the streets, those that usually are silent and content. An indicator: most of the protests were organized by citizens or grassroots-organisations.

What are the goals, at what do the protests aim?
06:39 PM - Jan 21, 2024
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1. It's a warning to the AfD: the silent majority is not on your side, as the party seemed to convince itself in the past. Rather, the silent majority is against the AfD.

2. Maybe it won't convince staunch AfD voters to change their minds, but it might convince some who aren't quite sure yet.
06:39 PM - Jan 21, 2024
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3. Furthermore, it could serve as a warning to established conservative parties that adopting fascist narratives comes at a price.
06:39 PM - Jan 21, 2024
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4. In my opinion, another important message is to signal that the normally silent majority cannot be ignored and is able to organize and articulate itself if and when necessary.
06:39 PM - Jan 21, 2024
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It´s important because it is usually the extreme positions that attract the most attention from both journalists and politicians. As a result, they receive attention that is disproportionate to their importance.
06:39 PM - Jan 21, 2024
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The mass protests will remind politicians and journalists alike to find the right balance.

Conclusion: Civil society and its values still exist in this time of hyper-individualism and the mass protests allow us to experience it. This is a reason for optimism and hope.
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thread 10/10
These mass protests are intended as a powerful exclamation mark with which civil society assures itself of its continued existence and its ability to shape its destiny according to its values.
06:39 PM - Jan 21, 2024
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