Weeks After Row Over “Racist” Cartoon, Germany Enters Recession | Vantage with Palki Sharma
The economy of Germany recently slipped into a recession. The development comes barely weeks after a cartoon by German magazine Der Spiegel grabbed headlines. The depiction of India by the magazine was termed as racist by many.
Firstpost’s Managing Editor Palki Sharma revisits the controversy.
Der Spiegel | India | Population | China | Rajeev Chandrashekhar | Trending News | Latest News | Firstpost | Vantage |
(This story was first published on April 25,2023)
#germany #india #population #germannews #china #headlines #worldnews #latestnews #trendingnews #firstpost
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Weeks After Row Over “Racist” Cartoon, Germany Enters Recession
In recent weeks, Germany has found itself at the center of controversy after a cartoon published in a leading newspaper was accused of being racist. The cartoon, depicting black women as household appliances, caused outrage not only in Germany but also internationally. The incident sparked a widespread debate on racism and cultural sensitivity, with many questioning Germany’s progress in promoting diversity and equality.
Now, as the dust begins to settle on this heated controversy, Germany faces an even more significant challenge – entering into a recession. The country’s economy, once seen as the epitome of stability and strength, is faltering under the weight of various factors, including global trade tensions and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Germany, often referred to as the “engine of Europe,” has been hit hard by the economic slowdown. The country heavily relies on its exports, particularly in the automotive sector, which has been severely affected by the pandemic. With countries around the world implementing lockdowns and travel restrictions, demand for German cars has plummeted, leading to significant job losses and factory closures.
Furthermore, the global trade tensions, particularly between the United States and China, have shaken Germany’s export-oriented economy. As two of Germany’s largest trading partners, any disturbances in their relationship directly impact the German economy. The ongoing trade war, tariffs, and uncertainty in the global markets have hampered German exports, further deepening the economic woes.
The recession in Germany has far-reaching consequences, not just for the country but also for the European Union as a whole. As the largest economy in the EU, Germany plays a crucial role in driving its economic growth. A recession in Germany can potentially trigger a domino effect, impacting other EU member states and hindering the bloc’s recovery from the pandemic-induced economic downturn.
German policymakers are now facing an uphill battle to revive the country’s economy and steer it out of recession. The government has announced several measures, including stimulus packages and support for industries affected by the pandemic. However, the road to recovery may be long and uncertain, as COVID-19 continues to pose challenges and global trade tensions persist.
The timing of the recession couldn’t be worse for Germany, as it comes on the back of the controversy surrounding the racist cartoon. The incident has sparked questions about Germany’s ability to address issues of discrimination and inclusion within its society. Critics argue that the cartoon incident highlights deeper-rooted problems, signaling a need for more significant efforts to combat racism and promote diversity.
Germany’s entry into the recession serves as a reminder that no country is impervious to economic downturns. Even a powerhouse like Germany, with its strong manufacturing sector and focus on innovation, is susceptible to global shocks. It also underscores the importance of addressing social issues and promoting a more inclusive society, as these factors are intertwined with economic stability.
While the road ahead for Germany may be challenging, there is hope that the country’s resilience and ability to adapt will lead to eventual recovery. German policymakers and citizens must learn from both the cartoon controversy and the recession, taking steps to confront racism and ensure a more equitable future while focusing on rebuilding and revitalizing the country’s economy.
Germany’s journey through this challenging period will undoubtedly shape the country’s role in a post-pandemic world. The lessons learned and the actions taken in response to the recession and issues of discrimination will define Germany’s reputation and its ability to emerge stronger from this difficult time.
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Rundown trains are still a reality of India
India suffered it's worst train accident in decades, days after this silly video was posted . 288 people dead. 3 trains involved .
No the cartoon is not "racist". Indians love to play the VICTIM when anyone criticizes us , or portrays a less than ideal version that we have created in our minds.
India doing all the above .. still we are living as a dumb .. racism there ? Yes we have casteism yes we have , religious we have we are the proud producer of all kind of discrimination
All ready their is energy crisis in china. We should ignore this
But what was depicted in the photo wasn't wrong this is the story of many trains in india…come to rajasthan you'll see all of it…and let me bring to your notice that those high tech trains are affordable for even poors in china and vande bharat is affordable only by few rich
Rive European trains??? She don't have shame to speak like this
India is ages behind these countries. Y can't we accept and do something than crying
It’s true let’s travel in general compartment of train and in Mumbai local
Palki Sharma Upadhyay is the voice of new INDIA.
Lady, you are a boon to journalism and the world.. respect
im sorry is india the fucked up caste system actually trying to bash china again? based on current EXTRAPOLATED projections…india wont catch up to china till 2075, IF they ever do. When china is number one, who do you think youre gonna need help from most? Keep bashing china and see how that plays out in the future
i mean….the west dominates the global media, and they do have a capitalist society….its really whatever sells for them. Clickbait at its best. Selling to peoples prejudice is easier than selling to people's logic.
I don't think Germany did anything racist in dat cartoon. Indians need to get out of this hyper nationalistic mindset, recognize that we r 3rd world nation with some really fucked up problems and learn to accept criticism
There was a 3 train accident recently in India, that's why they have this cartoon. It really depicted badly about our train systems. Such a catastrophe should not happen. It gives chance for others to say anything and have a upper hand.
India is corrupt and weak cause of us ,the common people, if we want we can support the government. Also if we want our trains speeds can be upto 300 kmph, and we can upgrade our infra in such a way, that the upgraded infra can support upgradation of the railways and roadways plus make tier iv, iii, and tier 2 cities into tier 1 within 20 yrarsr
The best unbiased anchor ❤
Germany thought they did something. Lmao atleast we don't go publish Germany as some Nazi geocriminal and sh*t
mocking all countries involved and clearing out India won't help…India is also a very racist place to be
its LOW-KEY TRUE….ive been to all 3 countries lollll
Before anyone say something just read it carefully and understand.
It is easy to report by siting in an 21 storey building office then facing the huge economic difference.
Talking about the Vande Bharat express is it really affordable to the middle class or lower class? Agree about the advancement( i support and everyone should) but can it be afforded by the Middle and lower economic class people like me or many others like me.
Cartoon/illustration is not racists but cartoon is focused on the class of people VS the Economy level of those classes, offcourse the population and the affordability of those classes. Many services are not made for people like me Middle and Lower class people.
Make
Just to let you know this cartoon actually bring several messages into one.
If you look carefully, the Indian train is actually bypassing China
and also Indien überholt China, translates to "India overtakes china"
Don't you see they are actually trying to empower Indians, but in a more wrong and controversial way….
Sari baate theek par Hume bhi itna sensitive ni hona chaiye, ye population growth major problem Hai, and we are completely ignoring it even taking offense, fungi ki Tarah grow kr kr k world bhar diya, jobless and regarding overfilled trains tell me is there not waiting tickets concept in indian railways no where else seen in the world accept and change
Lol Let them do what they want we don't care
It's Just like in the movie black panther the western committee questioned Wakanda 'What can we expect from a country of farmers to contribute to the world'
India is what it is..your 1 percent of fancy shmancy doesn't make India a China.. the depuction is accurate
Are the average germans dumb ???
Trains can rival against European trains. Right. But what about tracks, stations, cows coming tracks, pathetic roads, air/water pollution, employment, malnutrition in children & women? Are you ashamed of these or are you proud these things? Will you raise questions about these? Dont just compare trains.
What exactly is racist about this picture? The fact that China is 2 or 3 decades ahead of India when it comes to technology and transportation? Or the fact that indians do sit on top of trains and over crowd them? Im a British Sikh Punjabi guy and on a weekly basis i see what's happening in India on indian news channels and atleast 1 time I will see a scene of a train over crowded and people sitting on top of it. Hows that being racist? That's a fact in itself. India maybe 85% electric on its train system but still doesn't stop people over crowding the trains or stopping them sitting on top of them does it? You talk about human rights has a part in China's growth , what about the millions if not billions of various currencies India recieves from international aid that doesn't get spent on its own people but gets wasted on building stupid statues or new government buildings? That's also a fact. You talk about human rights in China's growth, what about human rights in Punjab?
You want to talk facts? Heres a fact for everyone, Hindu government on 5 separate occasions if not more, have tried and still are to this very day to eradicate/eliminate Sikhs from Punjab and sikhs around the world.
Recently the indian government issued a bounty of 1 million rupees, for the death of a Sikh individual Avatar Singh Khanda.
Avtar Singh Khanda was a voice of the Sikhs, he was fighting for Sikh rights in Punjab while living in the UK, the Indian government has branded him and millions of sikhs in Punjab and around the world (including myself) terrorists!
The real terrorist is the Hindu Indian government and for everyone who wants facts about the Indian government search for:
Farmer's bill,
1984 Amritsar,
Deep sidhu,
Amritpal singh,
Amritsar Jallianwala Bagh massacre
All the above the Indian government has demonstrated its power to eliminate a religion from its land.
No other state of India gets bullied, victimised, tortured, killed, branded terrorists, falsely imprison innocent Sikh individuals, cut off internet access in the entire state so western countries cant find out the truth or contact loved ones in and out of Punjab or even around the world or show them the real India, nothing like this happens other than the state of Punjab. Fact.
And here we have India crying and getting sympathy over a picture that shows what happens in India on a daily basis and how other countries have progressed way ahead of India. Pathetic
Its about quality and not quantity. What wrong they said? We miust also accept the reality. Patriotism is not in showing your aggression against western media.
Disagree with gurantee on this: "modern trains like Vande Bharat which can rival European trains". No Vande Bharat cannot rival.
Don't believe it's racist
We should take this as challenge and keep on improving our infrastructure and education for all including below poverty population. China did it 2 decades back and who cares what Germans think.
It’s a bit much too assume the personal take of a certain German cartoonist, as the voice of Germany, it’s leaders and people and then to celebrate that they have slipped into a recession is not rather kind either? Where is discourse heading, why don’t you rather do a field report on the state of government hospitals or the widows of martyrs who weren’t high ranking officials.
I don't think anything wrong with the cartoon because if you see the Mumbai Local train is as much crowded as this picture illustrated and of course China is far ahead of us in the economy. Other than that there is no labor law in this country MNCs come here to exploit us with minimal salary. Another point to be made is that 50% of Indian wealth belongs to only 1% of the population.
What is racist here??