Don't mention anything about the war...

[Mamaduke]

With the recent spate of violent clashes between Polish and German fans, and the singing of 'anti-German' war songs at the FIFA World Cup in Germany, do you think that the war should be forgotten, or are the organisers of the World Cup and the authorities kidding themselves in thinking that 'forgive & forget' can/will be the attitude amongst Polish, German and English fans?
Is it something that we should forget?
Why should certain aspects of history be forgotten, yet other occurences remembered?
Or should it be set aside to concentrate on the real reason everyone's there...the soccer?

[Maghan]

War's war and sport's sport and always the twain shall meet...

[My Miracle Baby]

I don't think the war will ever be forgotten by anyone.

I know a number of German people very closely and I have seen that most are embarrassed or not pleased about that aspect of their countries history. It is not forgotten, it is just something the German's dont talk about.

Don't mention the war...

[MilkOnTap]

Something I have learned through living as a defence member in a civililan world; is that life must go on. We cant stop living or doing things just because of violence in or around our country; or any country for that matter. Give them their soccer - at least for some it will bring a smile.

[Bubbamamma]

I don't think the war can - or should - be forgotten. But equally, I don't think the German people - most of whom weren't born or old enough to fight in WWII - should be subjected to ongoing abuse because of it. Let the past remain in the past - learn from it, and move on.

[OscarTheGrouch]

I don't think the war should ever be forgotten. It's pretty hard to forget what was potentially the wiping out a whole race of people. But forgiveness would go a long way. One thing about the Germans is they don't hide the cruelty and major human rights violations from the world. I went to a POW camp in Germany which is now set up as a museam. They show photos of the 'scientific' work they performed and other cruel acts toward the Jewish people.

[Little_Toad]

Its very hard to forget about wars and how it effects people.

I lived in England when the Falklands war was on. My friends dad died in a harrier jet when I was 10 it was very sad. We were on a naval base so lots of dads were going off to war.

Even now, especially when England plays soccer against Argentina, I REALLY want them to win and feel slightly hostile towards Argentina... (unjustified Iknow).

I can see how easily it would be for aggresive behaviour during massive sporting events.. JUST ADD ALCOHOL!

[CarolineF]

One thing about the Germans is they don't hide the cruelty and major human rights violations from the world. I went to a POW camp in Germany which is now set up as a museam. They show photos of the 'scientific' work they performed and other cruel acts toward the Jewish people.

That is true from an official government standpoint, but there are still many Germans about who deny the Holocaust ever happened and state that it was simply anti German propaganda published by the Jews and the allies!!!!!:no: :eek:

Clearly that is not the case, but in Europe the ongoing far right tendencies that are exhibited by the right wing groups keeps the horror of the war in peoples minds cos noone wants a repetition.

The war was over some time ago, but 60 years is not long enough for the wounds to heal for many in Europe particularly the Polish and the czechs who were slaughtered in their millions by Himmler, Heydrich and others.

France gave into the invasion, Italy were allied to Germany through Mussolini, but England fought to prevent the invasion - thank goodness for the Channel - it saved us.

In saying all of that, sport is sport and the war should not come into it. The British police have tried to prevent the distribution of some t-shirts with "We won the War" enscribed on them that they thought were provocative.

For the most part don't take what you see on TV too seriously. The Brits and the Germans actually have a fairly good relationship, and the ongoing ribbing about the war is almost expected. Most of it is done in good nature believe it or not, but we English have often had more then our fair share of lunatic football hooligans who will use anything as an excuse - those hooligans do not necessarily reflect the general public mood.

[OscarTheGrouch]

That is true from an official government standpoint, but there are still many Germans about who deny the Holocaust ever happened and state that it was simply anti German propaganda published by the Jews and the allies!!!!!:no: :eek:

You're probably right. No more so than alot of Middle Eastern countries though I suspect.

[SassyMummy]

I think that when it comes to sports fanatics, nothing is off-limits. That doesn't mean that what they're saying isn't in bad taste (most of it generally is), but a lot of their chants are sung to get a rise out of the opposition more than anything.

While it was probably a pretty inconsiderate thing to chant about, I don't really think it's THAT bad...if it wasn't THAT, they'd be teasing them for something else.

I don't think the war should be forgotten...but I don't think it should be constantly brought up either. I think the same about racism...if we want to eliminate racism within the world, we need to stop pointing out that people are black, white or whatever and just acknowledge that they are PEOPLE.

[reAllytee]

I dont think the war should be forgotten at all its part of the worlds history just as much as its something we should always reflect upon as a black time we hope never happens again.
I just find it a little sad that even today the Germans feel so guilty about it yes remember it & be sad for what happened etc but the fact that are now their country's future they should make sure that they change things so it never happens again.
So i say reflect & mourn but look forward to the brighter future with a higher knowledge.