DavidsMedienkritik reports a very disturbing development in Germany: the use of the word "Jew" as an insult. The picture alone is worth clicking on the link.

During a game in Germany's 2nd soccer league between Dresden and Cottbus fans of Cottbus showed a banner with "JUDEN" ("Jews") inscription. The encircled "D" in "JUDEN" is a reference to the Dresden soccer team. The banner is obviously meant to be a grave insult.

Interestingly enough, the German media hardly took note of the incident, even though the banner was briefly shown during the live broadcast on tv.

While it is far too soon to panic, as David notes, this is disturbing. It is possible that some combination of lingering tradition and a resistance to official attempts to eradicate Jew—hatred are at work. What disturbs me most is the silence of the German media on the subject which David also bemoans. Particularly since the German media are taking a stance of moral superiority toward Americans, the dishonesty grates. But unless they are honest about the residual strength of this ancient dishonorable tradition, Germany may turn very ugly indeed. Again.

Thomas Lifson  12 08 05