Germans love the British and the British love the Germans. Ideal as it should possibly be.
But in reality, it was always seen in terms of a love – hate relationship. Perhaps from the British point of view, their own uncertainty towards this particular love-hate relationship may have been predicated as much on affinities as differences. Or Germany was not only good for exporting ideologies such as Marxism to Great Britain but also pushed World War II towards and by engaging Great Britain. History informs us that the British public attitude towards Germany worsened during the war and are now much changed, as compared to the past regarding this relationship.
But good news appeared a few days ago, claiming that at last the British people had learnt to love the Germans. Finally, the glass wall on Germanophobia in Britain started to show cracks.
Journalist and publicist Thomas Kielinger claims that, “Respect for Germany appears to rise when British self-esteem is low. He said, “For a start the British copying our apprenticeship scheme. The election in Britain has simply given the country a sense of realism about the rigor mortis of its public services.” Germany has good record of better functioning public services.
Public services and with its modernity, which Britain has a long way to catch up its dysfunctional public services with Germany.
And of course football became an international peacemaker between these two countries. Well, what can’t football achieve with German beer and German sausages with mustard on the side?
Does Britain have any other choice but to work more closely with the Germans as Germany is booming with its economic muscle in Europe?
Can Britain really afford not be part of the expanding German value which presents modernity and first class service in its social state while Britain is struggling with its welfare state?
I don’t think so, as the former American professional basketball player Pat Riley said, “You have no choices about how you lose, but you do have a choice about how you come back and prepare to win again.”
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Semra Eren-Nijhar 