Blog Question #1

Although the United States and Germany have very different histories, they both have events that need to be remembered, but would be easier and less painful to simply forget. Germany's events are infamous, and the events of the Holocaust and the Nazi era have been memorialized all around the world. The United States also has shameful events, such as slavery, the abuse and murder of Native Americans, and other issues of discrimination. These are no doubt less well-known, but are still worthy of remembering.
The history of great leaders, important battles, and the ideas that shaped both the United States and Germany seem to be memorialized in similar ways. Giant marble buildings and bronze statues in parks mark these people and events that need to be remembered. However, no matter how special buildings and other sites dedicated to history may be, there is always a chance that these sites can become part of a routine which causes the meaning behind the site to slowly disappear and become forgotten. Statues honoring war heroes can just become a bronze figure that we drive past each day without noticing. For example, the monuments dedicates to former presidents in the United States give little attention to the important ideas of these men and have now become little more than photo opportunities for most people.
In order for historical sites to remain relevant the society itself must always put effort in both the prevention of future atrocities and the constant remembrance of events like the Holocaust. This is the spot that memorializing efforts in the United States and Germany differ in my opinion. Germany not only has laws that work to prevent future human rights issues, but they seem to be more respectful in in remembering both the heroes and the victims of painful events. Sites like the Jewish Museum in Berlin and remnants of the Berlin Wall work to constantly conjure strong emotions of sympathy towards the victims without granting additional attention or glory to the people who executed these crimes.
I believe that there is a shortage of sites like this within the United States. One small example that I can remember is the site of the Battle of Little Bighorn, where a tragic battle between U.S. calvary and Native Americans occurred. Not only is the site now filled with gift shops, but there is no sense of remorse and no promise that these events will not be repeated. There are only grave stones marking the famous deaths on each side of the fight. It is only a place of history, not of remembrance or dedication. Every site that we have witnessed so far in Germany works hard not only to remember the history of the situation, but to evoke feelings towards the victims. This is just one example of Germany being more complete in both their apologies and prevention of history repeating itself.